ADDIS ABABA — The Prime Minister’s Office has defended the legitimacy of the recent elections.
The office described the polls as Ethiopia’s largest-ever democratic exercise.
It said the election reflected broad participation across the country.
In a lengthy statement issued after the vote, the office rejected criticism from some international commentators.
Those critics had suggested the election outcome was predetermined.
The government said such claims did not reflect the reality on the ground.
It insisted that the electoral process was conducted in a generally orderly manner.
According to the statement, many citizens were able to participate freely in the voting process.
The Prime Minister’s Office said this demonstrated national engagement in the democratic process.
At the same time, the statement addressed security concerns during the election period.
It accused the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) of attempting to disrupt the voting process.
It also accused the Fano armed groups of similar actions.
The office said both groups were involved in coordinated attempts to undermine the elections.
According to the government, these activities included security incidents in several regions.
It said such incidents were aimed at discouraging voter participation.
Despite these challenges, the government maintained that voting proceeded successfully in most areas.
It argued that state institutions managed to secure the electoral process.
The statement further said the elections marked progress in Ethiopia’s democratic development.
It did not, however, provide detailed evidence supporting the claims of coordination between armed groups.
International observers have previously raised concerns about security restrictions in some regions.
They also noted limitations in access for monitoring the electoral process.
The Prime Minister’s Office dismissed claims that the election outcome was predetermined.
It said the results reflected the will of participating voters.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to continuing democratic reforms.
It also called for national unity following the election period.
Further reactions from opposition groups have not yet been issued.
Independent observers are also expected to release their assessments in the coming days.
