**Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Party Secures Parliamentary Majority in Recent Elections**
Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has successfully secured a significant majority in the recent parliamentary elections held this month. This victory positions Abiy to continue his tenure as the country's leader, following a period marked by both economic challenges and political turbulence.
The Prosperity Party, which Abiy founded in 2019 after taking office in 2018, campaigned on a platform highlighting the government’s economic achievements and its commitment to improving food security in a nation that has faced recurrent famines. The party previously won over 90% of the seats in the 2021 parliamentary elections, and this latest victory further solidifies its dominance in Ethiopian politics.
Abiy Ahmed, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict with Eritrea, initially garnered widespread acclaim for his reforms. These included the release of journalists and political prisoners and the lifting of bans on various political parties. However, in recent years, his administration has faced criticism from opponents and human rights advocates who argue that the government has regressed in terms of civil liberties, citing increased detentions of journalists and the suppression of civil society organizations.
Ethiopia has been grappling with significant unrest, particularly in ethnically organized regions such as Oromia, Abiy’s home region, and Amhara, where a militia known as Fano has gained control over large areas since 2023. The country also endured a devastating civil war in the northern Tigray region from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2022, tensions remain, particularly with Tigray’s political party attempting to reassert control over the region’s administration, raising concerns about potential new conflicts.
The electoral process this month did not include the Tigray region, as the electoral board cited “unfavourable conditions” for holding elections there. This exclusion reflects the ongoing instability and challenges that continue to affect the region.
Despite these issues, the Ethiopian government has projected an economic growth rate exceeding 10% for 2026, positioning Ethiopia among the fastest-growing economies in Africa. The Prosperity Party's focus on economic development and food security will likely remain central to its agenda as it moves forward in governance.
As the results of the elections are confirmed, the international community will be watching closely to see how Abiy's administration addresses the ongoing political and social challenges facing the nation.