The ballot is a direct challenge to the federal government, which postponed general elections earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s the latest in a series of challenges Abiy has faced since he began implementing political reforms two years ago. The party has set itself in opposition to Abiy, an ethnic Oromo, since he came to power in April 2018. In December, it refused to join the Prosperity Party formed by Abiy to replace the coalition. In November, the southern Sidama region voted to create the nation’s 10th self-governing region.

Source: Ethiopian News September 09, 2020 06:41 UTC