ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia held parliamentary elections on Monday that will determine the country's leadership for the next five years. No voting took place in the Tigray region due to ongoing tensions with the federal government following the 2020–2022 civil war.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party (PP) is running uncontested in 64 of Ethiopia’s 547 constituencies. The party, which won 96 percent of parliamentary seats in the 2021 election, held only one major campaign rally in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, which concluded by 8:00 am without Abiy’s appearance.

Insurgent groups in the Amhara and Oromia regions have threatened to disrupt the election. In Lalibela, a city in Amhara, political gatherings occurred ahead of the vote, but access to polling stations remains difficult elsewhere in the region. “It's going to be difficult to vote.” outside Lalibela due to clashes between the Fano insurgent group and federal forces, said Beza, a local tour guide.

Critics questioned the credibility of the electoral process. “Conducting elections under these conditions is essentially a ritual intended to show the international community that the government is elected every five years by the people.” said Merera Gudina, president of the 11-member Committee of Opposition Parties. There are approximately 40 opposition parties in Ethiopia, but none are considered serious contenders against the Prosperity Party. The opposition party Ezema will field candidates in less than 60 percent of parliamentary seats and currently holds four seats.

Public skepticism was evident among some citizens. “I don't think my vote can have an impact on politics.” said Tesfalem, a designer in Addis Ababa, who stated he would not participate in the election. Tesfalem provided only his first name due to fear of political reprisals.

Ethiopia’s population is approximately 130 million. Almost every Ethiopian election since the 1991 overthrow of the Derg dictatorship has resulted in one party winning 90 to 100 percent of parliamentary seats, often with allegations of fraud. Several international media groups were refused entry to Ethiopia for the election. Ethiopia ranks 148th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index. Election results are scheduled to be announced on June 11.