Ethiopian Parliament Re-Elects Abiy Ahmed for Another Five-Year Term

ADDIS ABABA: (News Desk) – Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has elected Dr Abiy Ahmed as prime minister for another five-year term as the country formed a new federal government.

The first regular inaugural session of the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives was held in Addis Ababa on October 6, marking the formal formation of Ethiopia’s new federal government.

Abiy Ahmed’s re-election follows the country’s seventh general elections, which the Ethiopian government said were conducted peacefully and attracted more than 54 million registered voters.

The ruling Prosperity Party secured 438 of the 486 contested seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, according to the official statement.

Voting was conducted across 1,139 constituencies, including 501 constituencies for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and 638 for regional councils. International observer missions, including those from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, endorsed the electoral process as transparent, according to the press release.

Addressing the inaugural session, Abiy said the election had been tested and refined through numerous challenges, comparing the process to gold strengthened through fire.

He said the electoral process had contributed to strengthening Ethiopia’s democratic culture despite the difficulties faced by the country.

The prime minister stressed that winning and losing political parties were a natural part of democratic competition, adding that Ethiopia itself had no losers and that all citizens should work toward the country’s progress.

Abiy also called for national unity, saying Ethiopia could overcome its challenges only by moving forward together.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s position in East Africa, saying the country’s regional influence and leadership were based on its own strength, resilience and popular support.

He said Ethiopia would continue playing a role in promoting peace and stability across the region.

In a congratulatory message, Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer H. Oba congratulated Abiy Ahmed, the parliamentary leadership and members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives on taking their official oaths for the new five-year term.

The ambassador said the formation of the new government reflected what he described as the strength of Ethiopia’s democracy and the Ethiopian people’s commitment to democratic norms and values.

He also wished Ethiopia continued peace, prosperity and development, along with greater national unity and social cohesion.