This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 22, 2021
Vote-counting was underway in Ethiopia after the country held its first free and fair election in decades, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's ruling party expected to secure a comfortable majority.
The election, which was twice delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical issues, saw over 38 million registered voters cast their ballots in a vast nation of 110 million people.
However, the election was not without its challenges, with some areas experiencing delays in delivering ballot papers and long queues at polling stations.
Abiy, who came to power in 2018, called on all parties to remain calm and committed to peace during the tabulation phase until results are announced.
"All sections of society have gone out to cast their voice in our nation's first free and fair election," Abiy said in a tweet, alongside images of crowds waiting to vote.
"Pictures are a thousand words and they show the earnestness, commitment to peace and the democratic process, by our people," he added.
Despite the challenges, the election was declared a triumph by Abiy, who said it was a "historic day for Ethiopia".
However, the election also highlighted the country's deep-seated divisions, with violent conflicts and ethnic violence posing risks in several areas.
Some opposition parties lodged complaints, alleging voting interference and the intimidation of their observers at polling stations.
More than 40 parties and 9,500 candidates contested the national and regional elections, but in some areas the opposition boycotted, including in Abiy's populous and influential home region of Oromia.
There, the majority of national parliamentary seats were contested by sole candidates, raising concerns about the vote's credibility.
