Ethiopia’s election board has suspended the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from political activities for three months, citing violations of internal governance laws.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said Thursday that the TPLF, which governs the war-torn Tigray region, failed to hold a general assembly, conduct leadership elections, or approve its bylaws. The party remains divided into rival factions, each claiming control.
Growing Political Uncertainty
The TPLF has led Tigray’s interim administration since 2023, following a peace deal that ended the brutal two-year war between Tigrayan forces and Ethiopia’s federal government. While the November 2022 truce halted fighting, disputes over its implementation have fueled internal divisions.
Analysts warn that the party’s infighting could escalate tensions in Ethiopia, which is already grappling with conflicts in the Amhara and Oromiya regions.
Election Board’s Justification
“The party has failed to abide by the above-mentioned laws and directives, which are serious violations,” the NEBE said in a statement. “Due to this, the board has decided to suspend the party from taking part in any political activities for three months; starting from the notice date.”
Both TPLF factions declined to comment on the decision.