Ethiopia certifies results for watershed election

Ethiopia has concluded its seventh general election, with officials and analysts describing the vote as a milestone in the country's democratic development.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia announced the certified results on Sunday, confirming that the ruling Prosperity Party won 438 seats in the 547-member House of Peoples' Representatives, retaining a commanding parliamentary majority.

More than 50 million Ethiopians were registered to vote in the June 1 election, though polling did not take place in some constituencies because of security concerns.

Under the constitution, the party or coalition that secures a majority in the lower house forms the government and selects the prime minister.

Bankole Adeoye, the African Union's commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said the election marked significant progress in Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

He reaffirmed the AU's commitment to supporting credible elections and democratic governance across Africa, and expressed confidence in Ethiopia's continued efforts to promote lasting peace.

Terecha Balcha, an Ethiopian researcher of political science and international relations, said the election represented another step in Ethiopia's democratic journey, but emphasized that the government's priority should now be delivering on campaign promises and restoring peace and stability.

Mekdes Mesfin, a political science and international relations lecturer at Madda Walabu University in Ethiopia, said the new government would now be expected to translate its electoral mandate into tangible development outcomes.

Addressing peace and security challenges in parts of Ethiopia should be among the key responsibilities of the incoming administration, she said.

Afework Eyayu in Ethiopia contributed to this story.