ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has elected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for another five-year term as the country formally constituted a new federal government following the seventh general elections.
The election took place during the inaugural regular session of the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives in Addis Ababa, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary term.
According to official figures, more than 54 million voters were registered for the elections, while the ruling Prosperity Party secured 438 of the 486 contested seats in the House.
Voting was held across 1,139 constituencies, including 501 seats for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and 638 seats for regional councils.
The Ethiopian government said international observer missions, including those from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, assessed the electoral process positively and described it as transparent.
Addressing lawmakers after his election, Abiy said Ethiopia’s democratic process had been tested by significant challenges but had emerged stronger.
He described the election as a process “tested and refined like gold through fire,” arguing that the experience had strengthened the country’s democratic culture.
The prime minister said political competition naturally produces winners and losers, but stressed that no Ethiopian should be treated as a loser in the broader national journey.
He called for unity and collective action, saying the country could overcome its challenges only by moving forward together.
Abiy also underlined Ethiopia’s regional role, saying its influence in East Africa was rooted in the country’s own strength, resilience and public support.
He said Ethiopia would continue to play what he described as a stabilising role in the region and remain committed to peace and security.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Oumer H. Oba, congratulated Abiy, the parliamentary leadership and newly sworn-in members of the House on beginning their five-year terms.
The ambassador described the formation of the new government as a reflection of the strength of Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the public’s commitment to democratic values.
He also expressed hope that Ethiopia would see greater peace, prosperity, development and social cohesion during the new term.