Ethiopia‘s electoral commission has suspended voting in the country‘s general election, citing widespread security chaos and violence. The decision, announced early this morning, comes after polling stations in several regions were attacked, leading to a number of casualties. The opposition has accused the government of orchestrating the violence to maintain its grip on power.
The United Kingdom has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. “The suspension of elections is deeply concerning,” said a Foreign Office spokesperson. “We urge all parties to de-escalate and engage in peaceful negotiations.
” The African Union has also expressed alarm, with its chairperson calling for an urgent meeting of the Peace and Security Council. Ethiopia, a key Western ally in the Horn of Africa, has been embroiled in ethnic tensions and political instability for months. The suspension of the electoral process marks a significant setback for democratic reforms in the country.
