Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of potential for unrest arising from Ethiopia’s planned federal elections.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with Prime Minister Abiy during his visit to Ethiopia on 22 January. During this conversation he discussed the importance of credible elections for any country seeking inclusive and peaceful democracy. Most recently, I raised the elections delay with President Sahle-Work during the 17 May Sudan Conference in Paris. On 14 April, our Ambassador (alongside Ambassadors and representatives from other Embassies in Addis Ababa) met the Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General. During this meeting we pressed concerns about the narrowing of political and civic space. Ensuring security, freedom of expression, freedom of the media and allowing political parties to organise and campaign are critical to credible elections. These are basic political rights which, if withheld or constricted, increase the risk of social unrest around the planned elections. Some parties have decided not to compete in the election. We encourage the inclusion in dialogue of parties who have not taken part in this election.

We are supporting the organisation of elections with up to £15m of support to UN programming to support the National Elections Board of Ethiopia. We note the recent postponement, estimated at 2-3 weeks, of the elections and are urging clarity for voters on arrangements. We continue to be in close contact with the National Elections Board of Ethiopia and the UN as they continue with preparations to hold the vote.