Ethiopia’s electoral board has revoked the legal standing of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) stated the decision took effect May 5.
This action follows the TPLF’s failure to meet provisional registration requirements. The party missed a three-month deadline to implement corrective measures issued in February.
The NEBE said the TPLF did not meet conditions for groups with a history of armed conflict.
The TPLF, once dominant, gained provisional status in August 2024 after being removed from a terrorist list.
This followed amendments to the electoral law allowing previously outlawed groups to re-register.
The TPLF was required to hold a general assembly and notify the board.
The board stated the party did not comply with these rules.
However, the TPLF rejected this framework, asserting its legal status was restored by a 2022 peace agreement.
This agreement ended the two-year war in northern Ethiopia.
The NEBE dismissed this argument, emphasizing electoral law’s precedence.
The TPLF, celebrating its 50th year, has also faced internal divisions.
Recently, it banned several senior members, including Getachew Reda.
