In Ethiopia, the ruling party, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party, won 438 of the 486 parliamentary seats in the general election held on 1 June 2026. The results announced on 21 June by the Electoral Commission confirm a large majority for the government, against a backdrop of insecurity and criticism from the opposition.
In Ethiopia, the National Electoral Commission announced on 21 June 2026 that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party had won 438 of the 486 seats up for election in the parliamentary elections held on 1 June 2026. Opposition parties and independent candidates secured only 48 seats, thereby ensuring the head of government a very large parliamentary majority for a new five-year term. The election involved more than 50 million registered voters and represents a major test for the most populous country in the Horn of Africa.
And also, my appreciation goes to all Ethiopian political parties, despite all the challenges that you have faced. Your participation in this popular election is indeed very significant, and my appreciation to you all for your commitment and as well as perseverance.
Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Republic
This victory, however, comes against a backdrop of fragile security. Voting could not take place in several constituencies due to ongoing tensions in certain parts of the country. Tigray, still reeling from the aftermath of the civil war, was excluded from the electoral process, whilst violence also disrupted voting in certain areas of the Amhara and Oromia regions. These absences explain why not all 547 parliamentary seats were filled in this election.
Some members of the opposition have got seats in the state councils (0:38) and in the House of Representatives. And this is also new for us as compared Some members of the opposition have got seats in the state councils (0:38) and in the House of Representatives. And this is also new for us as compared to the last election, in which we have only very few members of the opposition, which was mainly dominated by the ruling party.
Masud Begeyehu, Independent Expert
Whilst the government sees this as a vote of confidence in the reforms launched by Abiy Ahmed in 2018, the opposition and human rights campaigners dispute the inclusivity of the election. They point to political restrictions and the absence of voting in key areas. Nevertheless, this overwhelming success strengthens the Prosperity Party’s position as it pursues a national agenda characterised by significant security and social challenges.
