Mixed feelings as Ethiopia heads to the Polls

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ethiopians head to the polls

In what Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has described as the “first attempt at free and fair elections” not all are happy as the opposition has boycotted the votes due to reported intimidation by regional security forces.

The Oromo Federalist Congress and the Oromo Liberation Front pulled out in March on grounds that its top leaders were jailed and its offices shut by the current administration.

Some have largely questioned how credible and valid the election is considering the opposition have boycotted the elections and the fact that 102 constituencies of a total of 547 will not be participating in the elections due to insecurity and irregularities, 38 of which are in Tigray.

Ethiopia, largely in the midst of a recovery from the Tigray crisis that led to the displacement of several thousands and a disputed famine, is seeking a largely peaceful election.