Ethiopia opposition pushes anti-ethnic politics message ahead of general elections

Footage from Meyazia 27 Square showed supporters waving Ethiopian and EZEMA flags, dancing and chanting slogans around the 4 Kilo Plaza Fountain.

EZEMA deputy leader Negatu Wolde urged voters to move away from ethnic-based politics.

“We call on the people of our country to use this opportunity as a golden opportunity to break free from the cycle of ethnic politics that has oppressed, isolated and divided our country for many years,” he told Viory.

The election campaign has been overshadowed by concerns over media freedom, political inclusiveness and security challenges. EZEMA member Eyouel Solomon accused the government of dominating the media landscape and limiting fair political competition.

“We have seen two things: commercial media that sometimes give some space for opposition parties, and government media that acts as the mouth of the government,” he said. “This is not fair.”

The process has also been disrupted by ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Ethiopia’s National Election Board suspended polling in 46 districts affected by insecurity.

Despite the tensions, supporters at the rally expressed confidence that EZEMA could make gains in the June 1 vote.

“If it wins, it is a worthy party that has shown its ability to lead the country,” supporter Dagem Assefa said. “But if it loses, it will prepare peacefully for the next election.”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has led Ethiopia for eight years, heads the ruling Prosperity Party, which was formed in 2019 from the former Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front coalition.