The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) described Ethiopia’s seventh general election, held on June 1, as peaceful, participatory, democratic, and inclusive—a characterization that is likely to be questioned by critics and opposition groups.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo, who visited polling stations in Arba Minch and Jimma, said he and his delegation observed no human rights violations during the voting process. He added that, in the Commission’s assessment, the election was conducted in accordance with applicable electoral laws and human rights principles. The positive evaluation is expected to fuel debate among observers who have raised concerns about the broader political and security environment surrounding the vote.

Around 42 political parties are officially contesting the election against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party, which has been in power since 2018 and is widely seen as the frontrunner. Most of these parties are regarded as being close to the government. The vote concludes a largely subdued electoral campaign marked by limited public engagement and signs of widespread disillusionment. Reports have emerged of physical harassment and arbitrary arrests of candidates, as well as restrictions on independent media.

EHRC teams, which said they monitored the election across 175 constituencies and more than 2,700 polling stations nationwide, reported that 104 complaints related to the election were submitted, according to Berhanu. He added that 93 of these cases were “resolved” through joint information exchange with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia.

Berhanu Adelo, who was appointed Chief Commissioner of the EHRC in January 2025, has been accused by some critics of seeking to appease the Abiy administration.

He succeeded Daniel Bekele as head of the EHRC after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed publicly questioned the institution responsible for monitoring human rights in Ethiopia, accusing it of being “hostage to foreigners.”

In mid-July 2025, two senior commissioners—Deputy Commissioner Rakeb Melese and Commissioner for Women, Children, Older Persons and Disability Rights Rigibe G. Hawarya—resigned, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with Berhanu Adelo’s leadership style.

The National Election Board reported peaceful voting across 52,000 stations in yestredays vote. No voting took place in Tigray, while more than 140 polling stations in Amhara and Oromia were suspended due to security risks linked to ongoing insurgencies. Critics have alleged irregularities, including ballot stuffing and the presence of party cadres and armed men at polling stations.