Tensions will rise as Ethiopia election campaigns open

Significance

However, the start of campaigning has been overshadowed by the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, protests in Oromia amid a hunger strike by detained Oromo opposition leaders and the apparent murder of a local opposition leader.

Impacts

• Candidate selection processes could increase intra-party tensions, particularly among opposition parties already facing splits.
• Insecurity could complicate preparations for the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).
• Election controversies could worsen tensions with international partners, particularly the EU and the United States.