ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The chairman of the Amhara Democratic Forces Movement, Tesfahun Alemneh, has praised voter turnout and the conduct of Ethiopia’s election, describing the process as evidence of growing democratic participation and political inclusion.
Speaking after casting his ballot, Tesfahun said large numbers of voters had turned out since the early hours of the morning, calling the queues outside polling stations a demonstration of citizens exercising their sovereign right to choose their leaders.
“We are choosing the party that we believe represents us freely and will lead us for the coming years,” he said. “The queue that has been there since early morning practically shows that citizens are using their right to confirm their sovereign ownership of power.”
High turnout signals public engagement
Tesfahun said the strong turnout reflected public confidence in the electoral process and a growing willingness among citizens to participate in shaping the country’s political future.
“I came to the polling station today to use that right and gave my vote,” he said. “We are choosing in a peaceful manner around the voting area.”
Across several polling stations, voters lined up before opening hours, with election officials reporting steady participation throughout the morning.
“All parties are moving freely”
The opposition leader also pointed to what he described as improved political inclusivity compared with previous elections.
“As the previous election system was known, it was not inclusive of everyone; it was just for show,” he said. “Now all parties are moving freely.”
Tesfahun said political organizations across the region had been able to campaign and engage voters without significant restrictions.
“Including our party, and speaking on the basis of all the parties I coordinate or lead as a region, all parties have been moving freely and are still voting without any problems occurring,” he said.
A test for democratic consolidation
For Tesfahun, the combination of voter participation and political competition represents a broader test of Ethiopia’s democratic trajectory.
“Citizens are participating highly. Parties are moving freely. Therefore, it confirms that we are strengthening our process for democracy,” he said.
“If this many people come out in mass and vote, it is a great thing. Therefore, we must confirm this in practice.”
His remarks add to a growing chorus of political actors and observers who view the election as an important moment for Ethiopia’s democratic institutions, with turnout, transparency, and public confidence expected to be key measures of the process in the days ahead.