Elections In Ethiopia
At the federal level, Ethiopia elects a legislature. The Federal Parliamentary Assembly has two chambers: the Council of People's Representatives (Yehizbtewekayoch Mekir Bet) with not more than 550 members as per the constitution but actually nearly 547 members, elected for five-year terms in single-seat constituencies; and the Council of the Federation (Yefedereshn Mekir Bet) with 117 members, one each from the 22 minority nationalities, and one from each professional sector of its remaining nationalities, designated by the regional councils, which may elect them themselves or through popular elections.
Ethiopia is a one party dominant state in that a coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), dominates politics. Opposition parties are allowed.
Elections were first held in Ethiopia under the provisions of the current constitution in June 1994 to elect the membership of local governments; general elections have since been held in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010.
Read more about Elections In Ethiopia: Past Elections
Famous quotes containing the word elections:
“In my public statements I have earnestly urged that there rested upon government many responsibilities which affect the moral and spiritual welfare of our people. The participation of women in elections has produced a keener realization of the importance of these questions and has contributed to higher national ideals. Moreover, it is through them that our national ideals are ingrained in our children.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)