The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has criticized the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for failing to prepare for its mandatory general assembly as the February 10, 2025, deadline approaches. According to NEBE, the TPLF has shown “no indication” of compliance despite multiple reminders.
In a letter dated December 31, 2024, NEBE reminded the TPLF of its registration under “special circumstances” on August 9, 2024, per Proclamation No. 1332/2016. The law mandates political parties registered under such conditions to convene a general assembly within six months.
NEBE stated that it had previously notified the TPLF of this requirement on August 9, August 26, and October 31, 2024. The Board also stressed that the assembly must be held “in the presence of Board observers” and that the party must provide a 21-day advance notice of the assembly date, as stipulated in Directive No. 25/2016. However, NEBE pointed out that the TPLF has yet to take any steps to fulfill these obligations.
With fewer than two months remaining, NEBE has urged the TPLF to prioritize the matter, warning of legal repercussions if the deadline is not met. “Failure to fulfill this obligation will result in measures being taken in accordance with the law,” the Board cautioned.
The TPLF had previously sought to regain its pre-war legal status, but NEBE rejected the request, granting it a new certificate of legal personality under special conditions. In August 2024, the TPLF conducted a party congress, disregarding NEBE’s directives to obtain prior approval and include Board observers.
As the deadline looms, NEBE has reiterated its demand for compliance, emphasizing the legal and procedural obligations tied to the TPLF’s registration.
