Ethiopian Federal High Court Lifts Injunction on Election Board Amid Regional Dispute
In a significant development, the Federal High Court of Ethiopia has revoked an injunction previously imposed on the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), clearing the way for the Board to proceed with implementing a contentious decision involving five disputed constituencies. The decision, issued by the House of Federation, had sparked a legal battle between the Amhara and Tigray regional states.
The injunction was initially issued after the Simeret Party filed a lawsuit against the NEBE. The lawsuit followed the Board’s acknowledgment of a directive from the House of Federation, which stated that elections for the five contested constituencies should be conducted independently and directly for representation in the House of Peoples’ Representatives. These elections were to be held outside the jurisdiction of the Tigray regional government until the territorial dispute between the two regions is resolved.
However, on March 11, 2026, the Simeret Party withdrew its lawsuit, citing concerns over the legal validity of the House of Federation’s directive. The party claimed that the letter sent to the NEBE had not been discussed or approved by the Council’s plenary session. Instead, it was issued solely by the Speaker of the House. According to the Simeret Party, a decision can only be legally binding if it is debated, included on the agenda, and approved through a vote by council members.
“A decision that can be considered legally valid by the Council must be discussed in a plenary session and approved through a vote,” the party stated. “The letter issued by the Speaker does not represent the Council’s legal position and was not known to its members.”
The party emphasized that pursuing the case based on a document lacking proper legal foundation would unnecessarily burden the court and waste public resources. This rationale led to their decision to withdraw the lawsuit.
Following the withdrawal, the Federal High Court moved swiftly to lift the injunction, allowing the NEBE to proceed with its plans for the disputed constituencies. The decision marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s electoral process, as it seeks to navigate ongoing regional tensions and ensure fair representation.
The contested constituencies have been a flashpoint in the broader Amhara-Tigray territorial dispute, reflecting deeper political and historical divides between the two regions. The House of Federation’s directive aimed to provide a temporary solution by ensuring elections are held independently until a final resolution is reached.
The lifting of the injunction has been welcomed by some observers as a step toward resolving the electoral impasse. However, it also raises questions about the clarity and transparency of decision-making processes within Ethiopia’s legislative bodies. Critics argue that the issuance of directives without full plenary approval undermines the legitimacy of such decisions and risks exacerbating tensions.
As Ethiopia continues to grapple with regional disputes and electoral challenges, the latest development underscores the need for robust legal frameworks and inclusive governance to address complex political issues.
The NEBE’s next steps in organizing elections for the disputed constituencies will be closely watched, with implications for Ethiopia’s democratic stability and regional harmony.
— Reported by Nexio News
