Ethiopia Opens 7th General Election With 143 Polling Stations Disrupted by Security Issues

June 1, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s seventh general election began on Monday with 143 polling stations unable to open due to security-related disruptions, as electoral authorities managed a nationwide vote marked by uneven access in parts of the country.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia said 50,188 polling stations opened on schedule at 12:00am, while an additional 695 stations became operational between 12:30am and 1:00am after preparations were completed in remaining locations.

Board chair Melatwork Hailu said in a media briefing that most polling stations proceeded as planned, though disruptions were recorded in specific areas. She said some stations in Oromia and Amhara suspended voting after the process had already begun.

The election is being conducted across most of the country, although broader exclusions remain in 46 constituencies, including 38 in Tigray and eight in Amhara.

The vote is being held for 547 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, with 274 required for a parliamentary majority.

The ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), is widely expected to retain a dominant position following its strong performance in the 2021 election.