Polling stations opened across Ethiopia for the country's general elections on Monday, June 1. Voters are electing members of the House of Peoples' Representatives and regional councils. Over 50 million registered voters, including a significant number of youth and women, are expected participate, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said. ALSO READ: Ethiopia repatriates 33,000 nationals over 6 months More than 47 political parties and over 10,900 candidates are participating, with thousands competing for federal and regional seats. Election observers, including the African Union Election Observation Mission, are monitoring proceedings. ALSO READ: Abiy Ahmed meets Rwandan doctors pursuing specialist training The ruling Prosperity Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is among the main contenders, holding the majority of seats from the previous 2021 election. Other parties include the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) and Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA). Voters elect representatives to the 547-member parliament and the party that secures at least 274 seats earns the right to form the next government to lead the country for the next five years. Abiy, 49, came to power in 2018. Results are expected to be tabulated and announced in the coming days following the close of polls. This marks Ethiopia's seventh general election.
