Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, Election Board, and security officials at odds over election preparation findings

The EHRC presented its findings to election and security officials, based on observations from 55 teams at 1,007 polling stations. The assessment, which excluded Tigray, identified several issues, including polling stations located in prohibited areas such as police stations, military camps, and alongside liquor stores. Election officials countered some of these claims, stating that some locations were police barracks, not stations, and that military camp locations were for ENDF voters.

A major point of contention was alleged interference in election preparations by security and government officials, and members of the ruling party. The EHRC recommended that these groups refrain from involvement, though it did not specify instances of interference. The Commission also noted unequal treatment of political parties, citing instances where opposition parties like the EPRP and the Ethiopian Social Democratic Party were denied permits for rallies and campaigns, while citizens were reportedly pressured to attend ruling Prosperity Party rallies.

Furthermore, the EHRC highlighted limited participation from civil society organizations due to funding issues and restricted media involvement. Security officials, including those from Oromia and Addis Ababa, largely ma