Ethiopia to Vote June 1 as Abiy’s Prosperity Party Eyes Landslide Amid Conflict

Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 1, 2026, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party widely expected to secure a decisive victory.

The National Election Board says more than 50 million of Ethiopia’s 130 million people are registered to vote. But critics warn that ongoing violence in Amhara, Oromia, and Gambella, and lingering instability after the 2022 Tigray war, could keep turnout low. Tigray has been excluded entirely from the polls.

Opposition parties say they face bans on rallies, denial of venues, and intimidation, with some contesting only to avoid losing their licences. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has flagged similar restrictions. Media coverage is also under pressure, with warnings to journalists, the deportation of foreign reporters, and licences withdrawn from outlets including Addis Standard.

The government has invited limited observers, mainly from the African Union and IGAD, which critics say lack the mandate to assess electoral fairness.

In Addis Ababa, the campaign mood is subdued. Residents cite double-digit inflation, displacement, and the government’s focus on infrastructure projects over security and famine relief. Many voters question the value of participating in what they describe as a foregone conclusion.

Experts say the election is unlikely to produce a genuine change of government, reflecting deeper challenges to Ethiopia’s federal authority and political space.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale