Ruling party poll win leaves Ethiopia at a crossroads

Significance

Notably, the party defied expectations by reportedly winning comfortably in the capital Addis Ababa.

Impacts

• Ethiopia’s government will invoke the outcome to reject international pressure and perceived encroachments on the country’s sovereignty.
• As electoral calculations fade, Abiy may have greater scope to make concessions on major national and international disputes.
• Tigray will remain unrepresented at the national level.