In Ethiopia, polling stations opened their doors this Monday for the parliamentary elections aimed at renewing the country's parliament.
Long lines formed outside several polling stations in the capital, Addis Ababa, from the early hours. This early turnout demonstrates a strong mobilization of citizens who came to vote. Voters interviewed at the polls expressed their desire to participate in the democratic process and to support the political parties they consider best placed to address the country's challenges.
“This is my first time voting. The election is going well, it’s fair. So I voted for the party that I believe will be most beneficial for this country. Well, as you can see, the queue is well organized. Things are exactly as you see them. I think the winning party should do even better than this and serve as an exemplary model for the future,” explained Bisrat Ketema, a resident of Addis Ababa.
Compared to previous elections, today’s are different. To vote for the party that we believe will be most beneficial to us, people came out early; we woke up and arrived at 6:30 a.m. We took our places in the queue, ready to vote for the party that will serve us,” said Tesfaye Eshetu, a resident of Addis Ababa.
The election is being monitored by observers from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Official results are expected within ten days.
