Introduction: What is an Election?
An election is a tool used by citizens to exercise political power. This allows citizens to vote, choose who represents them, affect public policy, hold political leaders accountable, and, ultimately, remove individuals from power.
However, just because there are elections in a country, such as regular elections, millions of registered voters, polling stations, votes counted etc., this does not mean that there is a democracy. Just because there are elections does not mean that there is true political power for the citizens.
The main point to consider is if there is a true political choice, are political parties able to run freely, and will there be a real difference in political power?
Comparing the two countries, the United States and Ethiopia, we can see how they have different constitutions, political backgrounds and election systems. However, a key question that can be asked is whether the citizens have the opportunity to challenge those in power using the ballot.
The United States provides a good example of how elections can change the political power of a country. In the mid-terms, voters are able to change who sits in congress, increasing the power of the opposition and imposing limits on the executive branch.
Ethiopia has provided a contrasting political background. While there are multiple political parties involved in elections and regular national elections held, the political landscape does raise questions regarding whether the opposition parties can run freely and fairly, and if the voters have the opportunity to remove the ruling party.
This does not mean that the elections held in America are completely problem-free, nor do the elections in Ethiopia automatically fail. The key question is whether there is a political and institutional framework to allow for real competition.
Only when there is freedom for the people to change political power using the ballot will there be democratic implications.
The United States: Midterm Elections
The United States has a system where there is a separation of powers. The President leads the executive branch and Congress are responsible for the legislative branch. Congress consists of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
This is important because the President does not have unlimited powers as outlined by the constitution. Congress has their own roles such as passing legislation, approving spending, investigations and holding the executive accountable.
Midterm Elections occur every two years, during the middle of a president’s 4-year term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and roughly 1/3 of the Senate seats are up for election. This means that unlike a presidential election, the midterms do not decide who will be in the White House, but allows for voters to think about who represents them politically and change the balance of power in Congress. This is an important part of democracy in America.
Although a president may win an election and gain support this does not mean that voters will continue to support them throughout their time in office. Two years later the opposition may gain seats in Congress during the midterm elections giving it representation and more influence. As a result, the president stays in office. The balance of political power in Congress may have changed.
The opposition now has the chance to look into the administration, check government policies and spending question laws and make sure executive officials are held responsible through Congresss ability to watch over the government. This is a way that voters in the United States can keep presidential power in check and make sure the government is more responsible.
The 2026 Midterm Elections
On November 3 2026 a clear example of this change happened. President Donald Trump was still in office. People gave a big loss to his government and the Republican Party. The Democrats took over both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This changed the way power worked in Washington leading to a situation where the government would be split when the new Congress starts in January 2027.
This demonstrates that although the president is still in the office, the ruling party cannot hold onto control of the legislature. The opposition would have control over both houses of Congress.
The Democrats winning shows that the voters were unhappy with the cost of living, inflation, policies of the administration, the war with Iran and concerns about corruption within government. (Associated Press)
This is important because it demonstrates that one political party has lost to another, but also allows the voters to show their dissatisfaction via an official voting system. They can investigate, challenge and obstruct legislation by holding the administration accountable. The president cannot ignore them. This demonstrates how political power isn’t guaranteed in a democracy.
However, the USA isn’t a perfect democracy. There are serious concerns around political donations, gerrymandering, polarization, unequal power and ongoing issues with voting rights and election management.
The president now has more power which has created conflict between the president, Congress and the courts.
However, there are structures within the system to create political competition meaning the ruling party can lose power through elections. This is a key part of a democracy.
Therefore, the ruling party must always be aware it can lose political power if it loses the support of the voters.
Ethiopia: Lack of Real Political Competition?
Ethiopia has a long history of political power being centralized, an authoritarian government and little opportunity for peaceful political competition.
Multiple regimes have had very centralized institutions meaning that opposition parties, independent political organizations and those wanting to criticize have not had much opportunity.
Although Ethiopia has a multi-party system and constitutional institutions, this has not always led to political competition. To understand the current situation, we need to look at how Abiy Ahmed rose to power.
How did Abiy come to power?
Abiy Ahmed did not become Prime Minister as a result of a national vote. He instead rose to power through a political change within the ruling coalition.
The previous Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, resigned in February 2018 due to the widespread political upheaval taking place.
Following his resignation, Abiy Ahmed was chosen as the new chairman of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
He was then appointed Prime Minister by the House of Peoples’ Representatives in April 2018.
Something to note is that Abiy Ahmed was not directly voted into the role of PM by the Ethiopian People. He rose to power as a result of a political change within the ruling party and was formally appointed by the Parliament.
Therefore, he rose to power through being chosen by the party, and then appointed by Parliament.
At the time, Ethiopia was facing major political crisis. There were protests, mainly in Oromo ethnic region and across the country. There were high demands for political freedom, freeing political prisoners, more inclusion and ending the authoritarian nature of government.
Abiy’s rise to power was met with a lot of optimism from many Ethiopians including opposition.
Initially, he freed political prisoners, relaxed some media restrictions, allowed opposition members to come out of exile and promised political and institutional changes. His peace deal with Eritrea also gained international recognition. Many Ethiopians saw this as a new era for Ethiopia.
There was a strong public expectation that he would bring about a transition period to move towards a more inclusive political system. Many hoped he would only stay in power for a short period of time, maybe 1-2 years.
This does not mean there was any constitutional agreement for him to leave after 1-2 years, but it shows that there was a desire for no individual or political party to claim ownership of the Ethiopian state.
The main question is whether the political opening in 2018 would lead to a real democratic change or simply another opportunity for a concentration of political power.
From an Optimistic Political Climate to Increasing Centralization
Despite the optimism associated with Abiy’s arrival, there has been increasing disagreements around how the country should move forward. There have been many difficult issues to address around federalism, regionalism, ethnicity, national identity and political power.
Whilst the change from EPRDF to the Prosperity Party in 2019 was an important event, as they aimed to overcome divisions within the ruling coalition and create a wider national political party.
There were concerns around the transition to the new party causing concern amongst some political groups, particularly Oromo ethnonationalists, due to fears that the current federalist structure would be undermined and power would become centralized.
There were important disagreements around the structure of the Ethiopian constitution and the relationship between the federal government and regional political bodies.
The war in Tigray in November 2020 caused huge humanitarian issues. This led to large amounts of displacement and destruction. There were a lot of division within Ethiopian society.
Although there were many political and military actors involved in the conflict, the Federal Government led by Abiy carried a lot of responsibility for the decisions made by the central government.
Overall, it has become a more difficult political climate for opposition groups, journalists, civil society and citizens. As a result, it has become harder to see how the promise of democracy is being fulfilled.
The 2021 Election
The national election in 2020 was delayed by the government due to the pandemic.
This caused a big constitutional issue as the current terms of the federal institutions were coming up. The Federal Government claimed that due to extraordinary circumstances it needed to extend the terms. This however caused some to question the legitimacy of this decision.
The regional government in Tigray and other political actors disputed the interpretation of the constitutional situation.
However, the USA isn’t a perfect democracy. There are serious concerns around political donations, gerrymandering, polarization, unequal power and ongoing issues with voting rights and election management.
The president now has more power which has created conflict between the president, Congress and the courts.
However, there are structures within the system to create political competition meaning the ruling party can lose power through elections. This is a key part of a democracy.
Therefore, the ruling party must always be aware they can lose political power if they lose the support of the voters.
The general election finally took place in 2021 however there was conflict, tension and significant restrictions on political activity in some regions.
The Prosperity Party gained an overwhelming majority. However, the election was criticized as it was boycotted by prominent opposition parties, there was little political competition in some areas and not all constituencies participated.
This is an important point as there is a difference between winning an election and having a democratic mandate.
Even though the ruling party may gain a large number of seats, this doesn’t mean that all political actors had a fair chance to compete.
The democratic nature of an election depends on how it was carried out.
The 2021 election didn’t solve any of the issues around political inclusivity, opposition and legitimacy.
2026 Election
The general election on the 1st June 2026 was another opportunity to assess how democratic Ethiopia has become under Abiy Ahmed.
The Prosperity Party won 438 seats out of 501 constituencies meaning it gained an overwhelming majority in parliament. The government claimed the election was an important achievement and showed the public’s confidence in their leadership.
However, there were significant issues around how the election was carried out.
There was no voting in Tigray and there were security issues meaning some polling stations could not open in parts of Amhara and Oromia. 143 polling stations couldn’t open due to the lack of security, according to the Associated Press.
The fact that Tigray wasn’t included is significant as they have had a devastating war and are an important part of the future of the political landscape in Ethiopia.
There were criticisms around the election from the opposition claiming there wasn’t a fair opportunity for political competition. This was due to political figures being imprisoned, restrictions on political activity and intimidation.
We have to consider what international election observers have said. The African Union and IGAD did point out some things. They mentioned that voting stations were well organized and that there had been improvements in the election process.
We should not accept their observations without caution. Both the AU and IGAD have had ties with the Ethiopian government. This close relationship might affect their independence and fairness. Because of this people might doubt how trustworthy their reports really are.
However, there are other notable issues surrounding the elections. In Tigray there was no voting meaning everyone did not have the opportunity to vote. A fair election should give everyone the chance to vote freely and safely.
The fact there were election observers and improvement to voter registration technology does not necessarily mean the political climate will be fair.
An important thing to consider is whether the opposition had a real chance to compete for political power. A large majority cannot be used alone to show a strong democratic mandate. This should be considered: Was the ruling party really given a landslide due to the people wanting them or because of the political climate which has limited the opposition parties?
From an Unlikely Leader to a Questionable Mandate
Abiy Ahmed’s political journey shows that whilst he may have gained political power during a period of change, he hasn’t done so in a democratic way. He came to power at a time when many Ethiopians were calling for political change, more freedom and an end to the authoritarian ways of the previous regimes.
The initial political openness gave an opportunity to create institutions that allowed political actors to compete fairly and peaceably. However, critics argue that an elected government has moved towards increased centralization of power.
Abiy Ahmed’s ruling party has won an overwhelming majority in the 2026 election and he will continue as Prime Minister for a further five years.
Abiy came to power with high expectations from many that this was the start of a transition to democracy.
However, there are bigger questions here. Does this give citizens real political power to decide who their leader is?
A transition to democracy should not just be a change of power from one leading political party to another but should instead create a strong democratic system, giving citizens real choice. This will allow opposition parties to play a full role in the political process whilst also making sure those in power can be freely criticized. Finally, this will enable voters to vote their government out of power in a fair and peaceful manner.
Abiy Ahmed’s regime should therefore be judged on if they achieved this.
The Key Difference: Elections That Can Influence Political Power
We should recognize that the US and Ethiopia have very different constitutions.
The US is a presidential government where the president and congress are voted for by the public. Ethiopia is a parliamentary government where the PM gains political power through the parliament.
This isn’t about whether both governments should have the same electoral process.
It is about whether there is a democratic principle that allows citizens to hold those in power to account.
In the US, citizens can vote to remove members of the president’s party from congress. This means the opposition can have control over the legislative process.
Although the president doesn’t necessarily lose his position, the administration will have to work within a changed political environment. The opposition can have control over the legislative process, investigate government actions and challenge decisions made by the executive through constitutional processes.
However, critics argue that the political environment hasn’t allowed opposition parties to have the same political competition in Ethiopia.
Due to the Prosperity Party gaining an overwhelming majority on numerous occasions there are questions around whether the opposition can realistically replace the ruling party.
A democratic election isn’t just about having ballot papers, polling stations, election officials and announcing the results. There needs to be a political environment in place where citizens can make choices without fear and political parties can compete without unfair restrictions.
There needs to be institutions in place to protect the rights of both the winning party and the opposition.
The Opposition
No democracy can be effective without a strong opposition. Opposition parties aren’t enemies of the state. They are a legitimate part of the political process and are essential in a democracy. They should challenge government policies, expose any wrong doing, provide alternative solutions, represent different political views and provide voters with an alternative choice.
If a government cannot handle criticism and political competition then it will weaken the institutions in place for democracy.
In the US, the opposition can win elections in congress meaning they can have control over the legislative process. They can investigate, question officials in the executive, challenge government policies and stop legislation. Their political power is backed by constitutional powers. However, in Ethiopia, opposition parties have complained that they have faced restrictions, political figures have been imprisoned or intimidated and they have struggled to organize and campaign.
This needs to be addressed by having transparent institutions and independent legal processes. We shouldn’t view political opponents as a threat.
If opposition leaders cannot organize, campaign, communicate with voters and criticize government policies without fear then the electorate won’t have a fully informed political choice.
Having opposition candidates on the ballot doesn’t mean there is political competition.
They need to be able to campaign without restrictions, reach voters, provide alternative policies and have a realistic opportunity to win political power. Otherwise, elections can become a way for the ruling party to continually confirm their power.
Holding Leaders to Account
Democracy is about having leaders that are held accountable by law.
An election gives a government the power to run the country but it doesn’t have unlimited power.
In the US there is a separation of powers meaning there are mechanisms in place to challenge the president. Congress has legislative and oversight powers, the judiciary can challenge the constitutionality of government actions and the voters can change political representation.
These aren’t always perfect, however political polarization, party allegiances and increased executive power can reduce accountability.
However, it is an important constitutional principle that political power should be shared and there should be mechanisms in place to hold leaders accountable.
Ethiopia has constitutional institutions such as the Parliament, Judiciary and National Election Board. Although, it is important to have these institutions in place, they need to be independent, legitimate and not influenced by political actors. An election won’t be democratic if the institutions that should protect political competition cannot function independently.
Having an independent election administration, impartial judiciary, protection of civil liberties
and free media is essential. A government should not be the effective political actors inside the country. The government must be held accountable, by institutions.
Peaceful Transitions of Power
One of the most important features of a democratic political system is having the possibility of losing an election. Political power shouldn’t be permanent. A leader may win an election and have a legitimate mandate to run the country. However, it does not mean he has a permanent ownership of the state.
Citizens should have the right to withdraw their support and vote for a new government.
Having a peaceful transition of political power doesn’t mean the country is weak. It shows that the political institutions have more power than individuals and political parties.
In the US, there are mid-term elections meaning the voters can change the balance of power during the presidential term. There is also the presidential election to replace the president.
In Ethiopia we need to create a political environment where the ruling party can truly lose and have a peaceful transition of power if the voters choose an alternative.
This isn’t just about holding elections every 5 years. We need a political culture where opposition is accepted, political differences are protected and no party have permanent ownership of government.
One of the clearest indicators of a mature democracy is whether the ruling party are willing to lose.
Democracy in Ethiopia
Democracy in Ethiopia cannot be viewed without looking at the wider issues within the country.
There have been devastating conflicts, displacement, political polarization, economic struggles and huge disagreements around national identity and the constitution. These issues have historical backgrounds and are not solely due to one administration or political party.
However, the Federal Government has a large responsibility to create an environment where peace can be achieved and democracy can flourish. Political stability can’t just be achieved through centralization.
I firmly believe that Ethnic Politics is becoming one of the biggest problems that Ethiopia is facing when developing its democracy. When a person or political party gain control of the state power then their political agenda will often change. They will begin to work for their own benefit rather than the benefit of the people. This can cause problems such as corruption, nepotism and a lack of accountability, equality and putting the country first. Political power should be used to benefit everyone rather than just a specific political party.
A sustainable political system needs to allow different communities and political actors to play a role in national decision making without feeling excluded or threatened.
National unity shouldn’t mean political unity. Citizens can have different views around federalism, regionalism, national identity, economic policies and the future of the country however they all have a commitment to constitutional government and equal citizenship.
Ethiopia needs political institutions that are seen as legitimate by those in power and those in opposition. This needs to include an independent electoral system, impartial judiciary, free media, protection of civil society and peaceful political competition between political parties.
In recent times there have been more concerns over democracy in Ethiopia due to issues with the independent media. On the 2nd November 2026 The Reporter, an independent bilingual (Amharic and English) newspaper was indefinitely suspended from operating by the Ethiopian Media Authority. The suspension came after The Reporter criticized the authorities and reported independently. This has received criticism from international press groups such as Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch.
Committee to Protect Journalists
There are serious concerns regarding the government’s dedication to democracy especially since the government has suppressed independent media. Independent media gives people the right to be informed, challenge the powerful and to hold political leaders accountable.
The latest incident shows how much further Ethiopia still has to go before becoming a true democracy. This is very worrying as the government doesn’t seem to care about the political rights and interests of normal Ethiopians. Abiy has also not learnt from the past mistakes of undemocratic regimes and is determined to stay in power.
There also needs to be a political commitment to solving national disagreements through dialogue and constitutional processes.
Although elections can’t solve all political issues, having a legitimate election can provide a peaceful way of managing disagreements. If this isn’t in place elections can become another source of political division.
Conclusion
Comparing the US and Ethiopia shows us that the democratic nature of an election can’t be judged purely on how many people vote or how many seats the ruling party gain.
Whilst there are serious democratic issues in the US, the mid-term elections show us that the voters can change the balance of power without waiting until the next presidential election.
The results from the mid-terms in 2026 show this. President Donald Trump stayed in his position however both chambers of congress were handed to the opposition. This created new opportunities for the administration to be scrutinized, challenged and held to account.
However, in Ethiopia there are concerns. Despite holding numerous elections, the Prosperity Party have gained overwhelming victories and there are concerns around political competition, opposition and the ability for citizens to replace the ruling party.
Abiy Ahmed rose to power during a period of political openness. Many Ethiopians hoped he would create a more inclusive future for the country.
The main issue now is whether this political openness has created institutions to protect democracy or increased centralization.
Ethiopia doesn’t need elections to show that the government can organize voting and announce the results. It needs elections that allow citizens to truly decide the political direction of the country.
The future of democracy shouldn’t rely on the good will of one leader or one political party having dominance. It should rely on institutions that protect citizen’s rights and hold all political leaders to account.
A true democracy means no individual is essential, no political party owns the state and no government has permanent ownership. Citizens should have the freedom to vote for their leaders, challenge them, criticize them and remove them.
Ultimately, the question isn’t just whether Abiy Ahmed can win another election.
It is whether the people of Ethiopia have a real opportunity to vote against him.
The ballot shouldn’t just be a symbol. It should be a tool for citizens to change political power.
The public should have the freedom to vote against their government.
Editor’s Note: Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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