Voting has been suspended across parts of Ethiopia due to security fears, as the country holds its first national election since the onset of the civil war in Tigray. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia announced the suspension in at least 40 constituencies, citing logistical challenges and violence. The decision affects the Oromia and Amhara regions, where clashes between rival factions have been reported.
The United Kingdom has called for democratic integrity, with the Foreign Office stating that the elections must be “credible, inclusive and peaceful.” The statement added that the suspension should be temporary and that all parties must adhere to the electoral code of conduct.
Ethiopia’s elections are seen as a test of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s reform agenda, which promised political opening but has been overshadowed by the conflict in Tigray, where fighting continues between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Analysts note that the suspension may reduce voter turnout in areas already experiencing unrest, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the process.
The opposition has expressed concerns that the government is using security fears to manipulate the outcome. However, the electoral board maintains that the decision is technical and that voting will resume once conditions permit. International observers from the African Union and European Union are monitoring the process.
For the UK, the election represents a test of its soft power in the Horn of Africa. The government has sought to balance its diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia while criticising human rights abuses. The call for democratic integrity aligns with London’s broader strategy of promoting stability in the region, which is also threatened by instability in Sudan and Somalia.
The suspension underscores the fragile security situation in Ethiopia, where ethnic violence and armed confrontations have displaced millions. The outcome of the election, even if partial, will have significant implications for the country’s political trajectory and its relations with international partners.
