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Ethiopians Vote Amid Tensions and Voter Apathy
Confirmed
In Short: Ethiopians cast ballots in the House of Peoples' Representatives election, amid security concerns and voter skepticism, as the country grapples with ongoing conflicts in Tigray and the Fano insurgency.
A heavy military presence was observed in Addis Ababa as Ethiopians voted in the House of Peoples' Representatives election, with watchdogs calling for a peaceful process in a country that is Africa’s second most populous and hosts the African Union.
Security incidents were reported at polling stations in Oromia and Amhara, with the head of the electoral commission, Melatework Hailu, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for the opposition and a conducive environment for citizens to freely participate.
Despite the significance of the vote, there was an element of voter apathy, with some citizens feeling let down by politicians. However, Senait Dereje, a 37-year-old shopkeeper, expressed confidence in the power of her vote, acknowledging the uncertainty of its impact on her livelihood.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) reported that 47 political parties and over 10,900 candidates were in the race, including 2,198 for the federal parliament, 8,736 for regional and city councils, and 73 independents. Young Ethiopians, making up a large share of the population, have a substantial presence in the electorate, with a median age of about 19 years.
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- A heavy military presence was observed in the capital, Addis Ababa, as watchdogs called for a peaceful vote in the country that is Africa’s second most populous and host of the African Union.
- The head of the electoral commission, Melatework Hailu, said security incidents were reported at polling stations in two volatile regions, Oromia and Amhara.
- “The fairness of an election is judged by whether there is a level playing field for the opposition and a conducive environment for citizens to freely participate,” he told The Associated Press.
- There was an element of voter apathy as some citizens said they felt let down by politicians.
- But Senait Dereje, a 37-year-old shopkeeper, said she was certain her vote matters.
- “I am not sure if my vote will bring the change that I want and that will help change my livelihood,” Dereje told the AP.
- The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said 47 political parties and more than 10,900 candidates are in the race, including 2,198 for the federal parliament, 8,736 for regional and city councils and 73…
- Young Ethiopians make up a large share of the population, with a median age of about 19 years, according to United Nations population estimates, giving them a substantial presence in the country’s electorate.