Ethiopia election: Parties, coalitions and candidates explained

Monday June 1, 2026

Ethiopians ready to vote in the general election to choose members of parliament, who will in turn select the next prime minister. [Getty Images]

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopians head to the polls on Monday for a general election that will shape the next parliament and, ultimately, the country’s next prime minister. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says 47 political parties and more than 10,900 candidates are competing, among them 2,198 hopefuls for the federal parliament, 8,736 for regional and city councils and 73 independent contenders.

More than 50 million people are registered to vote, and official figures from the registration process show women make up roughly half of the electorate. Ethiopia’s young population also looms large over the ballot: United Nations estimates put the median age at about 19, meaning first-time voters and younger adults will account for a significant share of the total.

The race brings together ruling, opposition, regional and independent figures under Ethiopia’s federal parliamentary system, in which lawmakers choose the prime minister and the government is formed through a parliamentary majority.

Here is a closer look at the main political parties, coalitions and independent candidates.

Prosperity Party (PP)

The Prosperity Party is Ethiopia’s governing party and is led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Established in 2019, it emerged from the merger of several regional parties that had formed the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). After the 2021 general election, it secured a majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

In its programme and public remarks, the Prosperity Party says it stands for national unity, economic reform and state-led development within Ethiopia’s federal structure.

The party is nominating candidates for seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and in regional councils across nearly all federal and regional constituencies under the country’s parliamentary system.

National Movement of Amhara (NAMA)

The National Movement of Amhara is a regional party based mainly in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Led by Belete Molla, it takes part in the country’s federal parliamentary elections through constituency-based competition.

Party statements say NAMA is concerned with political representation, security issues and the cultural and regional rights of the Amhara population within Ethiopia’s federal system.

Its candidates are being fielded largely in the Amhara region, where the party is contesting federal and regional council seats under the electoral framework.

Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)

Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice is a national party headed by Berhanu Nega. Created in 2019, it has been active in national elections since 2021 and operates in several regions.

According to the party and its leaders, EZEMA advocates liberal democratic governance, the rule of law, market-oriented reforms and stronger national unity.

In this election, the party is competing for seats in both the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils across multiple federal and regional constituencies.

Peace for Ethiopia coalition

The Peace for Ethiopia coalition is an alliance of smaller regional parties, including the Agew National Council, Gamo Democratic Party, Gambella Peoples’ Freedom Movement, Kaffa Green Party, and Tigray Democratic Cooperation.

Coalition statements say the group was formed to improve coordination and strengthen representation for a range of regional interests inside Ethiopia’s federal system.

The alliance is coordinating candidate lists among its member parties while each retains its own regional identity. Its members are running for seats in both federal and regional councils.

Regional and ethnic-based parties

Regional parties are also in the contest across Ethiopia’s federal system, including in Oromia, Somali, Tigray and southern regions. These groups operate in their respective states and are registered with NEBE to field candidates in federal and regional constituencies.

By their own public descriptions, these parties generally prioritise regional governance, local autonomy and development needs specific to their areas.

They are taking part in elections for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils under Ethiopia’s parliamentary setup.

Independent candidates

A total of 73 independent candidates are registered for the 2026 election.

Political observers say independent contenders often focus on local administration and constituency-level concerns rather than national party platforms or broad ideological agendas.

They are competing for both federal and regional council seats within Ethiopia’s constituency-based parliamentary system.

Electoral stakes

The vote will decide the makeup of Ethiopia’s federal government and determine which party or coalition controls parliament. Elected MPs will choose the prime minister, who then appoints the federal government.

The outcome will also influence how power is distributed between federal and regional authorities under the country’s constitutional order. The election is part of Ethiopia’s regular parliamentary cycle under the 1995 constitution.

Seat allocation in the House of Peoples’ Representatives will determine legislative authority at the national level.

The election is being conducted under Ethiopia’s federal parliamentary model, where executive authority flows from a parliamentary majority.

Political environment

The National Election Board of Ethiopia is responsible for overseeing voting and candidate registration across the country. Polling arrangements have been put in place nationwide under Ethiopia’s electoral system.

Voting will be held in constituencies in urban and rural areas in all federal member states.

Electoral procedures are governed by national law, which sets out the responsibilities of federal and regional election bodies.

NEBE is in charge of coordinating polling operations, voter registration and ballot administration across constituencies.

Youth and voter engagement

NEBE says more than 50 million people are registered to vote in the election.

Young Ethiopians make up a large part of the population, with United Nations population estimates placing the median age at about 19.

Registered voters include both first-time and returning voters taking part in federal and regional elections across the country.

Voting takes place under Ethiopia’s legal framework for universal adult suffrage, which gives citizens aged 18 and older the right to cast a ballot.

Women voters and participation

NEBE registration figures show women make up around half of all registered voters.

Women may vote and run for office at both federal and regional levels under Ethiopia’s election law, and female candidates are in the race across several regions.

Men and women are subject to the same registration and candidacy requirements under the electoral framework.

Female candidates are contesting seats in both federal and regional races across the country.