Ethiopia Election: Parties, Alliances, and Candidates in the Race

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopians head to the polls on Monday in a general election to elect members of parliament, who will in turn select the next prime minister. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) reports that 47 political parties and more than 10,900 candidates are contesting, including 2,198 candidates for the federal parliament, 8,736 for regional and city councils, and 73 independents.

Over 50 million voters have registered, with official data showing women make up roughly half of the electorate. Ethiopia’s youth account for a large share of the population — the median age is about 19, according to U.N. estimates — giving them a significant presence in the voter roll.

The election brings together ruling, opposition, regional, and independent politicians within Ethiopia’s federal parliamentary system, where the government is formed based on a parliamentary majority and lawmakers elect the prime minister.

Prosperity Party (PP)

The Prosperity Party is Ethiopia’s ruling party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It was formed in 2019 after the merger of several regional parties formerly within the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The party currently holds a majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives following the 2021 general election. According to the Prosperity Party’s platform and public statements, it emphasizes national unity, economic reform, and state-led development within a federal framework. The party is fielding candidates for seats in the House and regional councils across most federal and regional constituencies.

National Movement of Amhara (NAMA)

The National Movement of Amhara is a regional political party operating mainly in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. It is led by Belete Molla and participates in federal elections through constituency-based contests. According to party statements, NAMA focuses on political representation, security issues, and the cultural and regional rights of the Amhara within the federal system. The party is fielding candidates primarily in the Amhara region for both federal and regional council seats.

Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)

Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice is a national political party led by Berhanu Nega. Founded in 2019, it has contested national elections since 2021 and operates across multiple regions. According to party and leadership statements, EZEMA promotes liberal democratic governance, rule of law, market-oriented reform, and broader national unity. In this election, the party is contesting both the House and regional councils in numerous federal and regional constituencies.

Peace for Ethiopia Alliance

The Peace for Ethiopia Alliance is a coalition of smaller regional parties, including the Agew National Council, Gamo Democratic Party, Gambella People’s Liberation Movement, Kaffa Green Party, and Tigray Democratic Cooperation. According to coalition statements, it brings together member parties to improve coordination and representation of diverse regional interests. The coalition coordinates candidate lists among member parties while allowing each to maintain its own regional identity. Members are contesting seats in both federal and regional councils.

Regional and Ethnic-Based Parties

Regional parties are contesting seats across the federal system, including in Oromia, Somali, Tigray, and the southern regions. They operate within their respective states and are registered with NEBE to field candidates in federal and regional constituencies. Based on public positions, these parties often focus on regional governance, local autonomy, and development priorities specific to their areas. They compete for the House and regional councils under the parliamentary electoral system.

Independent Candidates

A total of 73 independent candidates have registered to contest the 2026 election. According to political observers, independents typically focus on local governance issues and constituency-level concerns rather than party platforms or national ideological stances. They are running for both federal and regional council positions.

Election Results

The election will determine the composition of Ethiopia’s federal government and which party or coalition controls parliament. Elected lawmakers will choose the prime minister, who then forms the federal government. The results will shape the distribution of power between federal and regional administrations. The vote is part of the regular parliamentary electoral cycle under the 1995 constitution. Seat allocation in the House will define legislative authority at the federal level.

Political Environment

The National Election Board of Ethiopia oversees vote administration and candidate registration across all regions. Voting arrangements have been established nationwide. Polling will take place in constituencies spanning urban and rural areas across all federal states. Electoral procedures follow national election law, which defines the responsibilities of federal and regional election authorities. NEBE is responsible for coordinating voting operations, voter registration, and ballot management.

Youth and Voter Participation

NEBE reports that more than 50 million people have registered to vote. Youth account for a large share of the population, with a median age of about 19 according to U.N. estimates. Registered voters include first-time voters and returning participants in federal and regional elections. Voting takes place within the legal framework for universal suffrage, granting the right to vote to citizens aged 18 and older.

Women and Participation

According to NEBE voter registration data, women make up about half of all registered voters. They are eligible to vote and stand for office at both federal and regional levels under election law, and female candidates are contesting across multiple regions. Both genders are subject to the same voter registration and candidacy requirements. Women candidates are running for seats in both federal and regional races nationwide.