Ethiopians are voting in a national election expected to give Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party another strong mandate, with the party widely projected to retain its dominance in parliament, according to an Associated Press report.

The election comes as Abiy’s government presents reconciliation and development as central priorities for the next term. Around 50 million people are expected to vote for members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils, though insecurity in areas including Amhara and Oromia could affect turnout.

Abiy’s Prosperity Party already controls more than 500 seats in the federal legislature and is expected to secure another majority. Under Ethiopia’s parliamentary system, voters elect representatives, who then vote for the prime minister.

The vote is also being watched by the African Union, which has deployed an election observation mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The mission’s presence adds regional attention to a contest taking place in the country that hosts the AU headquarters.

Security remains one of the biggest tests for the next mandate. Ethiopia is still dealing with the aftermath of the Tigray war, unrest in Amhara and Oromia, and tensions with Eritrea. Analysts have warned that the election alone is unlikely to resolve the deeper political and security pressures facing the country, especially in regions affected by conflict and exclusion from the vote, as noted in regional analysis by Chatham House.

Tigray will not take part in the national election for a second time, leaving the region without federal representation. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front remains outlawed, while the federal government and regional authorities continue to clash over the future of the 2022 peace agreement.

Opposition parties have questioned the fairness of the process, saying the ruling party benefits from an uneven political environment. Some candidates say they have faced restrictions on campaigning and meeting voters.

For Abiy, the election is not only about retaining office. It is also a bid to renew political authority at a time when Ethiopia faces pressure to rebuild trust, manage unresolved conflicts, and deliver on development promises.