As Ethiopia prepares to hold its seventh General Elections on June 1, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the ruling Prosperity Party are widely expected to secure a landslide victory. But the stakes for him are high nonetheless: restoring stability and projecting an image of national unity. Critics warn that growing restrictions on press freedom and political dissent are casting a shadow over the vote. And with 70% of the country still affected by armed conflict, many question whether the conditions for a truly democratic election are in place. Report on the ground by our correspondent Tom Canetti.
US PoliticsAfrica
Ethiopia heads to the polls: Elections under the shadow of war and dissent
France24
May 31, 2026 at 2:04 PM
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As Ethiopia prepares to hold its seventh General Elections on June 1, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the ruling Prosperity Party are widely expected to secure a landslide victory. But the stakes for him are high nonetheless: restoring stability and projecting an image of national unity. Critics warn that growing restrictions on press freedom and political dissent are casting a shadow over the vote. And with 70% of the country still affected by armed conflict, many question whether the conditions for a truly democratic election are in place. Report on the ground by our correspondent Tom Canetti.