Rival histories, alternative facts: Can elections mend Ethiopia?
The election in Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous yet deeply polarized country, was billed as historic.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had long made democratic elections a main goal of his administration, is heading toward a landslide victory.
But with the election results soon to be announced, the pivotal moment that Mr. Abiy had envisioned is being overshadowed by his government’s stunning defeats in its war in the Tigray region.
Set to preside over a losing war and a country beset by famine and armed insurgencies, Mr. Abiy is armed with an electoral mandate that some view as absolute, but which large segments of the population consider illegitimate.
With a contested history, rival views of national identity, historic grievances, and alternative facts, Ethiopians are learning that elections cannot be a cure-all for a divided
One election, two EthiopiasElection strengths and weaknessesViolenceSearch for common groundYou’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days