By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Ethiopia, 1 May 2026 Ethiopia plans a general election June 1 that is expected to keep Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party dominant, amid questions about political competition, security and opposition participation.
The election comes five years after the 2021 vote, when Abiy’s Prosperity Party secured a major victory, winning 485 of the 502 contested parliamentary seats, according to AFP. That election was disrupted in parts of the country by conflict, including the war in Tigray.
The upcoming vote is being closely watched because Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country, continues to face several overlapping challenges, including armed conflict in parts of the country, ethnic tensions, inflation and pressure from regional instability.
Prime Minister Abiy, who came to power in 2018, has described the election as part of Ethiopia’s institutional development. In remarks reported by Africanews and TRT Afrika, Abiy said the government has the capacity and willingness to conduct the elections, describing the upcoming vote as the “best organised” in Ethiopia’s history.
However, opposition groups and analysts have raised concerns over whether the election will provide genuine competition. AFP described the June vote as likely to be one of Ethiopia’s “least competitive” elections, with Abiy widely expected to win.
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Ethiopia’s electoral environment remains complicated by insecurity in several regions. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies said the 2026 elections will shape Ethiopia’s democratic process, but warned that persistent fighting in parts of the country could disrupt voting and create opportunities for spoilers.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia has set June 1, 2026, as the date for the general election, which will determine seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives. The ruling party’s dominance, opposition weakness and security constraints are expected to define the campaign period.
Analysts say the importance of the election will go beyond the final result. Its credibility, level of participation and ability to proceed peacefully in unstable areas could influence Ethiopia’s domestic politics and its role in the wider Horn of Africa.