Ethiopia’s election: Parties, coalitions and candidates explained | Story

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The people of Ethiopia will vote on Monday in the election to elect members of the parliament, who will choose the prime minister. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said 47 political parties and more than 10,900 representatives are in the race, including 2,198 in the federal parliament, 8,736 in regional and city councils and 73 independents.

More than 50 million voters have registered, with voter registration statistics showing that women make up almost half of voters. Ethiopian youth make up a large part of the population, with an average age of about 19 years, according to the United Nations population statistics, giving them a strong presence in the country’s electorate.

The competition brings together the ruling, opposition, regional and independent politicians under the Ethiopian parliament, where the government is formed by a majority of parliamentarians and the parliament elects the prime minister.

Take a good look at the main political parties, unions and independents.

Prosperity Party (PP)

The Prosperity Party is the ruling party in Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It was founded in 2019 following the merger of several parties that previously formed the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The party has a majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives after the 2021 election.

According to the Prosperity Party’s program and public statements, it emphasizes international cooperation, economic reform and government-led development within the federal government of Ethiopia.

The party nominates candidates for seats in the House of Assembly and regional councils in almost all federal and regional governments under the leadership of the Ethiopian parliament.

National Movement of Amhara (NAMA)

The National Movement of Amhara is a political party that operates mainly in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. It is chaired by Belete Molla and participates in Ethiopia’s parliamentary elections through district-based contests.

According to the party’s statement, NAMA focuses on the political representation, security concerns and cultural and regional rights of the Amhara people within the Ethiopian government.

The party is electing people from the Amhara region to become federal and regional council seats following the Ethiopian elections.

Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice is a national political party led by Berhanu Nega. Founded in 2019, it participated in national elections from 2021 and operates in several sectors.

According to party statements and leadership, EZEMA advocates open democratic governance, rule of law, market-oriented reforms and national unity.

In this election, the party is competing for seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils in many states and regions.

Peace deal in Ethiopia

The Peace for Ethiopia Alliance is a coalition of smaller parties, including the Agew National Council, Gamo Democratic Party, Gambella Peoples’ Freedom Movement, Kaffa Green Party, and Tigray Democratic Cooperation.

According to reports, the alliance brings together member parties to facilitate coordination and representation of the interests of various regions in the Ethiopian government.

The association consolidates the lists of its members and allows each to maintain regional information. Members are competing for seats in all federal and regional councils.

Regional and tribal parties

Regional parties compete for seats in all Ethiopian states, including Oromia, Somali, Tigray and southern regions. They work in their districts and are registered by NEBE to appoint candidates for federal and regional governments.

Depending on their role in the government, these parties often focus on regional governance, regional autonomy, and regional development.

They participate in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils under the Ethiopian parliamentary elections.

Independent

73 independents have registered to run for seats in the 2026 elections.

According to political experts, independent candidates tend to focus on regional governance and regional concerns rather than party or national ideology.

They are competing in all federal and regional positions under the Ethiopian parliamentary system.

Election issues

The election will decide the Ethiopian government and the party or coalition that controls the parliament. The elected members will choose the prime minister, who will form the federal government.

These results will change the distribution of power between the central and regional authorities under the Ethiopian constitution. Voting is part of the country’s parliamentary elections under the 1995 constitution.

The distribution of seats in the House of People’s Representatives will establish legislative powers at the federal level.

The election is held under Ethiopia’s parliamentary system, where executive power comes from a majority of parliamentarians.

Political space

The National Election Board of Ethiopia oversees the administration of voting and registration in all regions. The electoral system has been implemented across the country following the Ethiopian elections.

Voting will take place in urban and rural districts in all federal member states.

Electoral processes are regulated under national laws, which define the responsibilities of local and regional authorities.

NEBE is responsible for conducting polling, voter registration, and voter administration in all regions.

A conversation between young people and voters

NEBE said that more than 50 million people have registered to vote in the election.

Young people make up the largest part of the population, with an average age of 19, according to the UN statistics.

Registered voters include first-time and returning voters participating in federal and state elections across the country.

Voting is conducted in accordance with Ethiopia’s universal adult rights law, which gives citizens aged 18 and over the right to vote.

Women voters and participation

According to NEBE’s voter registration statistics, women make up almost half of the registered voters.

They are eligible to vote and compete for seats in all districts and regions under Ethiopia’s electoral laws, and women’s representatives are participating in several sectors.

Both men and women must apply for the same voter registration and electoral requirements in Ethiopia.

Women candidates are contesting for seats in federal and regional races across the country.