Ethiopia Begins Counting Votes After Election Disrupted by Violence and Insecurity

Ethiopian authorities have begun counting votes following parliamentary elections held across the country, as security challenges in several regions affected parts of the voting process.

The election was marked by insecurity in areas including Oromia and Amhara, where clashes and unrest disrupted polling activities and forced the closure of some voting centres. Officials said that while many polling stations operated as planned, others were unable to open or function normally due to ongoing instability.

Millions of voters participated nationwide, but turnout varied significantly depending on security conditions in each region. In conflict-affected areas such as Tigray, voting did not take place, continuing concerns over the inclusiveness of the electoral process following years of unrest.

The ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remains the dominant political force and is widely expected to maintain its majority once results are fully announced. Opposition parties, however, have raised concerns about fairness and the impact of insecurity on voter participation.

Election authorities say counting is ongoing and official results will be released in the coming days as the country awaits a clearer picture of the outcome.