Ethiopia’s election is about confirming the country’s commitment to democracy Elections

On June 1, more than 57 million Ethiopians will vote in the country’s seventh general election since the 1995 constitution. At a time when democratic systems around the world are in crisis, Ethiopia’s vote is not just a routine – it is an important test of whether a large, diverse, and rapidly changing country can meet the challenges of democratic transition.

Ethiopia’s decisions are different from those of many African countries. Voters do not choose the president directly; instead, they elect representatives to the parliament, reflecting the close-knit system of the United Kingdom. In this election, 47 parties and more than 10,000 people are competing for seats in all districts and regions.

What the government is doing in the major sectors in the last few years is expected to reflect the results of the election. During the last election period, Ethiopia saw strong economic growth, with the annual gross domestic product (GDP) growing at around 7.5 percent and expectations for this year reaching over 10 percent.

These numbers are not just statistics. Across major cities, including Addis Ababa, visible urban change is underway, fueled by infrastructure development and the revitalization of agriculture and industry.

Exports have made significant progress, led by agriculture and mining, while sectors such as tourism and digital services are beginning to play a role in the economy. The completion of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam has further strengthened the country’s position as a regional powerhouse, with major projects in the pipeline indicating that the economy continues to thrive.

At the same time, the government is facing serious problems. Economic and security challenges remain areas that require further government action to meet the growing demands of the people. However, the opposition has not been able to capitalize on the problem by creating a coherent and compelling solution to the problems.

Many opposition groups remain divided along ethnic and sectarian lines, preventing them from competing effectively in Ethiopia’s first-ever electoral system. In such a system, a divided opposition risks weakening its base, which often means more benefits for incumbents.

Based on this, there are ways to increase political participation. The ruling party has refused to appoint other people to the existing seats, its aim was to gain the opportunity to represent the opposition and to promote a multi-party parliament.

There is also hope that electoral politics will continue the recent trend of including the opposition in high office, reflecting the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive political culture.

Ethiopia’s democratic situation must also be understood within a global and historical context. Even stable democracies are struggling with the rise of polarization, disinformation and political extremism.

In Ethiopia, these challenges are compounded by long-standing problems, including deep ethnic divisions and recent conflicts.

For this reason, elections alone cannot solve all political problems in Ethiopia. The National Dialogue Process that is going on in the country is very useful for the elections. In seeking to agree on important legal and political questions through an inclusive, consultative process, the dialogue seeks to address issues beyond the reach of simple popular decisions. Its successful conclusion will be as important as the final decision in shaping the future of Ethiopia’s democracy.

The importance of the upcoming vote, therefore, is not only about winning, but what it represents. It is a step towards popular governance under pressure, it is a step – imperfect but beneficial – on the long road to democratic unity. For a country of Ethiopia’s size, diversity and political importance, divisions extend beyond its borders.

The more than 57.2 million citizens going to the polls are not just electing their representatives; affirming the collective commitment to the future of democracy. The question is not whether the journey will be difficult—it already is—but whether institutions, strategies, and political will can continue to evolve to meet the challenge. Anyone who knows the history of brave Ethiopia knows the answer to this important question.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect those of Al Jazeera. posture.