Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has retained its overwhelming grip on parliament after winning 438 of 501 seats in the June 1 election. The outcome paves the way for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to secure another five-year term when the new parliament convenes in October. Despite a reported voter turnout of 94%, the election drew criticism from opposition figures and rights advocates, who described the process as neither free nor fair. Security challenges in the Oromia and Amhara regions prevented 143 polling stations from opening, while the conflict-ravaged Tigray region was again excluded from voting, leaving it without federal representation for a sixth consecutive year.
AP
