Millions of Ethiopians headed to polling stations on Monday in a national election expected to deliver another parliamentary majority for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party, according to an Associated Press report.

Voting began early across the country, with long queues forming outside polling stations in Addis Ababa and other cities. Around 50 million registered voters are eligible to choose more than 500 members of Ethiopia's House of Representatives, who will later select the country's next prime minister.

A victory for the Prosperity Party would give Abiy another term in office and allow his government to continue pursuing its stated priorities of economic development, infrastructure investment, and national reconciliation following years of conflict in regions including Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara.

The election is taking place under tight security, with a visible military presence reported in parts of the capital. International observers and civil society groups have called for a peaceful voting process in Africa's second-most populous nation and host of the African Union headquarters.

Opposition parties have questioned the fairness of the electoral environment, arguing that political space has narrowed in recent years. Critics allege restrictions on campaigning and concerns over the treatment of government opponents, claims that have become a recurring feature of political debate ahead of the vote.

Despite those concerns, many voters turned out hoping their participation could influence the country's future direction. Key issues in this year's election include national unity, economic challenges, governance reforms, and efforts to address insecurity in several regions.

Election officials are expected to begin releasing results after voting concludes, with the Prosperity Party widely viewed as the favorite to emerge with a governing majority.

Source: Associated Press