Ethiopia elections 2021: Democratic rebirth?

Ethiopia recently conducted its highly anticipated elections, with over 37 million registered voters choosing from 46 parties and more than 9,000 candidates. The polls were viewed as a crucial test for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who came to power in 2018 with promises of breaking away from decades of authoritarian rule. However, the election process has not been without challenges, particularly due to the conflicts in the Tigray region. The Ethiopian electoral board is set to release initial results soon, with expectations of the ruling government maintaining significant support. Despite the large number of participating parties and candidates, the opposition is not projected to perform well in the elections. There have been numerous complaints from opposition groups regarding the conduct of the elections, with some even opting to boycott the process. The fairness of the election results is also being questioned, given that voting could not be held in four out of the ten regions in Ethiopia, including the volatile Tigray region. The exclusion of the Tigray region from the electoral process has raised concerns about the potential for increased tensions and conflicts. Tigray conducted its own election last year, leading to a standoff with the Ethiopian government and eventually escalating into the current violent conflict. The exclusion of significant regions from the voting process has raised doubts about the credibility of the election outcomes. Observers, including the African Union and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, have praised the election as a step towards democracy in Ethiopia. However, opposition groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the process, pointing to arrests and detentions of their members as evidence of government bias. The true test of democracy in Ethiopia will be in the handling of the election results and the representation of diverse voices in the government. Amidst the political developments, Ethiopia is also facing economic uncertainties that could impact its future growth. The government's plans to privatize key sectors and attract foreign investment are crucial for the country's economic progress. However, ongoing violence and instability across the nation have raised concerns among investors. Foreign companies, including leading textile firms, have already withdrawn from regions like Tigray due to safety concerns, highlighting the urgent need for the government to address the security challenges. While Ethiopia has made strides in transitioning from an aid-dependent economy to a hub for foreign investment, the current political and security landscape poses risks to this progress. The incoming government will need to prioritize stability and inclusivity to safeguard the country's economic prospects and ensure a path towards sustainable development.