Ethiopia’s recent political situation shows how elections can become meaningless when people are living under fear, conflict, and political repression. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali first came to power with promises of reform, peace, and democracy. However, over time, many Ethiopians and human rights organizations have accused his government of becoming more authoritarian. The elections under his leadership have been criticized because opposition groups faced arrests, restrictions, and pressure. In the 2021 election, Abiy’s Prosperity Party won a large victory, but the election happened while the Tigray war was going on and while some opposition groups were unable to compete freely (Reuters, 2021). In the 2026 election, his party again won a fake victory, voting did not take place in some conflict-affected areas such as Tigray and parts of Amhara (Reuters, 2026). Because of this, many people question whether these elections truly represented the voice of the Ethiopian people.
The political crisis has also caused deep suffering for ordinary citizens. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International found that serious abuses were committed in Western Tigray, including forced displacement, ethnic violence, and crimes against humanity (Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, 2022). Amnesty International also reported that many victims of the conflict have not received justice, and that human rights abuses have continued in different parts of the country, including Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia (Amnesty International, 2024). These reports show that the conflict has harmed innocent people the most.
The humanitarian crisis is also very serious. The Associated Press reported that hundreds of people died from starvation in Tigray and Amhara, while millions of people needed food aid (Associated Press, 2024). Many families have lost their homes, farms, schools, and loved ones. Women, children, and elderly people have suffered especially because of hunger, displacement, and violence. Instead of bringing peace and unity, the conflict has created fear, poverty, and division among Ethiopians.
According to The Economist, Ethiopia’s elections under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali show how voting can become weak when it happens under repression, conflict, and fear. In the past, The Economist described the 2021 election as flawed because opposition leaders were in jail and many people in different areas could not vote (The Economist, 2021). This made Abiy’s landslide victory look predetermined rather than fully democratic. In the present, The Economist continues to warn that Abiy has become more authoritarian, especially as his government controls power, limits free expression, and prepares for elections while the country faces conflict and political tension (The Economist, 2026). When the past and present reports are compared, the same problem appears: elections are being used to show power, but many Ethiopians are still excluded, silenced, or suffering from war and insecurity. A real democracy should allow all people to vote freely, protect opposition parties, and give citizens the right to speak without fear. Ethiopia’s elections cannot bring true peace unless they are fair, inclusive, and connected to justice for the people.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s problem is not only about politics or elections. It is about the suffering and dignity of the people. A government cannot call itself democratic when many citizens are excluded, silenced, displaced, or forced to live in fear. Ethiopia needs free and fair elections, protection for civilians, justice for victims, and honest national dialogue. Without accountability and real democracy, the suffering of the Ethiopian people will continue.
References
Chatham House. (2026). Ethiopia needs more than an election to calm internal and regional conflict.
Reuters. (2021). Ethiopia PM Abiy’s party wins landslide victory in parliamentary election.
Reuters. (2026). Ethiopian prime minister’s party gets another big parliamentary majority.
The Economist. (2021, June 16). Ethiopia’s flawed elections risk dividing the country further.
The Economist. (2026, April 23). Abiy Ahmed is throttling free expression in Ethiopia.
Habesha Law 