Opposition raises stakes as EPRP calls for nationwide protests ahead of electionsAddis Abeba — Ethiopia’s political climate is showing renewed strain after the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) called for nationwide protests on May 8, intensifying pressure on the government over the credibility of upcoming elections.In its latest statement, the party made it clear that its position is not against elections as a principle, but against what it views as the current conditions under which they are being organized. It argued that without peace, institutional independence, and basic political freedoms, any vote held now would lack legitimacy.The planned demonstrations are expected to take place in several major cities, including Addis Abeba, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Hawassa, Adama, and Ambo. By targeting multiple regions, the party appears to be signaling both national reach and an attempt to tap into widespread grievances.At the center of the EPRP’s criticism is its accusation that the ruling Prosperity Party is moving forward with what it described as a “pseudo-election.” This language reflects a broader challenge to the integrity of the electoral process itself, rather than just its outcome. The party maintains that ongoing conflicts in Tigray, Amhara, and parts of Oromia make meaningful participation impossible for large segments of the population, raising concerns about exclusion and representation.The statement also underscores what the party describes as a shrinking political space. It points to the detention of journalists, opposition figures, and activists as evidence that citizens are unable to express themselves freely. In this context, the EPRP argues that state institutions, including those responsible for overseeing elections, cannot operate independently.Alongside its broader political concerns, the party highlighted the arrest of Wondwosen Kidane, a Dire Dawa city council candidate affiliated with the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity. According to party officials, he was detained at his workplace and later held without access to communication. The arrest is reportedly linked to allegations of social media activity, though the party says it has been unable to verify his condition.The EPRP is also drawing attention to what it sees as a wider pattern of restrictions on independent media, referencing actions taken against outlets such as Addis Standard and Wazema. It argues that limiting press freedom while preparing for elections undermines public trust and weakens the credibility of the process.The Prosperity Party has not publicly responded to these claims, leaving opposition concerns unanswered as the planned protest date approaches.As tensions build, the situation highlights a deeper uncertainty about Ethiopia’s political trajectory. Rather than serving as a path toward stability, the upcoming elections risk becoming another point of contention in an already fragile environment.
