Professor Merera Gudina on Ethiopia's 2026 election: a "hollow victory" without lasting peace or democracy
via The Reporter Ethiopia13 min read
Professor Merera Gudina, Chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress OFC and a founding architect of the Medrek coalition, offers a critical assessment of Ethiopia's upcoming seventh National Election on June 1, 2026. He argues that the election is unlikely to establish a democratic system or lasting peace, citing ongoing conflicts in Oromia and Amhara, the exclusion of Tigray, and a narrowing political space. Gudina highlights that Ethiopia has failed to achieve lasting peace, democracy, or meaningful economic development over the past 50 years, with wealth being diverted to conflicts. The OFC, despite its concerns about the political environment, will participate only in select areas of Addis Ababa/Finfinne, acknowledging that current laws prevent a full boycott. Gudina criticizes the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s NEBE “traffic light” security map, particularly the “Green” designations for areas where OFC members still face dangers. He notes that the government's assertions about conducive conditions for elections do not reflect the reality on the ground, citing persistent insecurity and alleged mafia-like activities in regions like Oromia. Gudina suggests that the government appears more focused on suppressing opposition than promoting democratic processes. He also discusses the relationship between the federal government and Tigray forces, stating that Tigray has achieved de facto independence and that there is a lack of sincere effort to resolve underlying problems
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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