ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — (Horn post) Ethiopia’s National Election Board has officially announced the final results of the country’s 7th General Election, confirming that 17 political parties and eight independent candidates have secured seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, following nationwide polls held on May 24, 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar.
Out of 42 political parties that contested the election, only 17 parties won parliamentary representation, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party emerging as the dominant political force after securing a landslide victory with 438 parliamentary seats.
According to the election results released on Saturday, the opposition party Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) won 13 seats, followed by the Amhara National Movement with six seats. Several other political parties secured smaller representation ranging from one to three seats.
Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) Melatwork Hailu addressed the media at office in Adiss Ababa.
Among smaller parties entering parliament are the Ogaden National Freedom Front, Somali Federalist Party, Afar People’s Party, and several regional political organizations representing ethnic constituencies across Ethiopia.
In addition to political parties, eight independent candidates were also elected to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, expanding the diversity of representation within Ethiopia’s federal parliament.
Speaking during the official election results announcement ceremony, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie described the election as a major milestone that opens “a new chapter in Ethiopia’s democratic journey.”
The president said voter participation exceeded 94 percent nationwide, arguing that the high turnout demonstrated Ethiopians’ commitment to resolving political competition through democratic institutions rather than conflict.
“The road to political power outside the people’s voice and the ballot box is now closed in Ethiopia,” President Taye said, sending a strong warning to political groups seeking power through unconstitutional means.
He added that Ethiopia’s democratic future must be shaped by peaceful political competition, emphasizing that those attempting to pursue power outside electoral systems would have no legitimate place in the country’s political arena.
President Taye called on winning political parties and independent candidates to respect the trust placed in them by citizens and carry out their responsibilities with integrity, accountability and commitment to national development.
He also praised Ethiopia’s National Election Board, civil society organizations, security institutions, media organizations and election observers for their role in ensuring the successful conduct of the nationwide vote.
Meanwhile, election authorities announced that five districts in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State will undergo repeat elections following complaints and allegations regarding irregularities in voting procedures.
The affected districts include Daratoole, Awaare, Hargeele, Hadhagaale and Daroor, where fresh voting is expected to take place after investigations into reported electoral disputes.
The developments mark a significant moment in Ethiopia’s evolving democratic process as authorities move to address electoral concerns while finalizing the country’s parliamentary transition.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
