Ethiopians set to vote in crunch polls amid conflict and apathy

Long-awaited elections due to take place on June 21 but voting will not go ahead in about one-fifth of constituencies.

After some consideration, Shimelis Yohannes* decided to register to vote in Ethiopia’s delayed general elections due to be held on Monday. “I took a vote card because it’s better than sitting out the election,” said the civil servant in the capital, Addis Ababa. But, he adds quickly, he has no illusions over a vote that has been overshadowed by conflict in the northern region of Tigray, instability elsewhere and widespread apathy. “I don’t think my vote will change anything or decide the future direction of Ethiopia, but at least I can tell myself I tried my best,” says Yohannes, who will back an opposition party.