May 1, 2026
Eddie Mekasha
Community Chaplain and Conflict Mediator
The upcoming Ethiopian election in June 2026 is pivotal in many respects.
The Ethiopian government, under the leadership of the new National Election Board chief, Melatwork Hailu, has assured the public that the election will proceed without interference. However, time will tell whether this promise holds true. Previous elections were also presented as free and fair by earlier administrations, yet they were marked by harassment, rigging, and the imprisonment of opposition figures.
Major regions such as Amhara, Gambela, Tigre and Oromo are currently experiencing armed conflict against the federal government. In Amhara, continued resistance by Fano groups reflects deep grievances against the ethnically structured federal system, which they argue has marginalized the Amhara people—a continuation, in their view, of the previous TPLF-dominated order. They also point out that the current ruling party, the Prosperity Party, evolved from earlier political structures tied to that system.
The Oromo Liberation Army, associated with the Oromo Liberation Front, continues its struggle for full self-determination. It accuses the Prosperity Party of representing a continuation of past centralized and imperial systems under new leadership.
Meanwhile, a coalition is emerging to compete against the Prosperity Party, drawing from groups historically linked to the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP). The EPRP once played a significant role in mobilizing youth against the Derg military regime, though it ultimately failed in its urban armed struggle, leading to fragmentation and exile of its leadership. Some factions later aligned with TPLF-backed structures, forming what became the Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement and later the Amhara National Movement, which continues to claim representation within the current political framework.
The National Election Board, currently led by Melatwork Hailu, has made progress compared to previous leadership under Birtukan Mideksa. Nevertheless, opposition parties continue to question its neutrality—reflecting a broader pattern across parts of Africa where electoral commissions are often perceived as aligned with ruling governments.
African strategic forums that assess and observe elections across the continent report that elections in much of Southern and West Africa tend to be more competitive and credible. In contrast, election irregularities and government interference are more frequently reported in parts of East and North Africa, as seen in recent developments in Uganda. These assessments reflect both hope and concern regarding Ethiopia’s upcoming June 2026 election.
As the second most populous nation in Africa, Ethiopia stands at a crossroads. This election could mark a step toward a more democratic and inclusive political system—possibly resulting in a coalition government—or it may reinforce the existing cycle of power consolidation under the Prosperity Party.
There is growing concern that, without meaningful reform, democratic processes in East Africa will continue to face serious challenges, as illustrated by recent controversies such as election irregularities in Uganda under long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni. It is often recalled that leaders such as Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Museveni of Uganda were once viewed as part of a new generation of African leadership supported by Western governments, including the Clinton administration, yet fell short of fully realizing democratic ideals.
In contrast, several countries in Southern and West Africa have demonstrated more competitive and credible electoral processes, according to various regional observers. Ultimately, time will reveal the direction Ethiopia will take.
We call upon international observers to conduct thorough, grassroots-level monitoring to ensure transparency and credibility in this decisive election.
“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”
(Psalm 68:31)
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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