Ethiopia’s National Political Parties

National Political Parties

No.Political PartyLeader / RepresentativeRole
1All-Ethiopia Unity Organization (MEIA)Abraham GetuChairperson
2Ethiopian Democratic Union (EDU)Gebru BerheChairperson
3Ethiopian National Unity Party (EBUAP)Zerihun Geb/IgziabherChairperson
4Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity ForumDessta DinkaAudit and Inspection
5Oromo Federalist Congress (OFCO)Mulatu GemechuDeputy Chairperson
6New Generation Party (ATPA)Solomon TafeseChairperson
7Ethiopian Social Democratic Party (ESODEPA)Dr. Rahel BafeDeputy Chairperson
8Amhara National Movement (ABIN)Dr. Belete MollaChairperson
9Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)Jebesa GabisaExecutive
10Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF)Abdukerim Sheikh MuseChairperson
11Freedom and Equality Party (NEP)Dr. Abdulqadir AdemChairperson
12Prosperity PartyMeles AlemDemocratic System Building
13Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice Party (EZEMA)Wasihun TesfayeSecretary-General
14Hibir Ethiopia Democratic PartyGirma BekeleChairperson
15One Ethiopia Democratic PartySisaydeguChairperson
16Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP)Abraham HaymanotChairperson
17Enat PartyDr. SeyfeslalChairperson
18Raya Rayuma Democratic Party (RADEPA)AmareForeign Affairs Head
19Gogot Gurage Unity and Justice Party (Gogot)Mohammed AbrarChairperson
20Wolayta People’s Freedom MovementTadios ChinakshoChairperson
21National Bayto Abay TigrayKebromChairperson
22Wollo People’s Democratic PartyNejaten TasewChairperson
23Balderas for Genuine DemocracyAmha DagnawChairperson
24Hidase PartyYemane AsefaChairperson

Ethiopia has a diverse and evolving multiparty political system, with political parties representing national, regional, ethnic, social and ideological interests. Political parties play an important role in organizing political participation, presenting policy programmes, nominating candidates and competing in national and regional elections.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is responsible for the registration, administration and support of political parties and for overseeing electoral processes. Under Ethiopia’s political-party framework, parties must meet registration and legal requirements established by the relevant electoral legislation.

The country’s political landscape includes parties with nationwide ambitions as well as organizations whose political activities and support are strongly associated with particular regions or communities. Among the parties appearing in the national political landscape are the Prosperity Party, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA), Ethiopian Democratic Union, Ethiopian Social Democratic Party, Oromo Liberation Front, National Movement of Amhara, Ogaden National Liberation Front, New Generation Party and other political organizations. The list on this page provides an overview of national-level parties and their listed leaders or representatives.

The scale of Ethiopia’s party system has changed over time as parties have been established, merged, re-registered, cancelled or reorganized. NEBE maintains official information on accredited political parties and distinguishes between national and regional parties.

The 2026 general election demonstrated the breadth of political participation in the country. NEBE reported 47 registered political parties participating in the election, with more than 10,000 candidates contesting federal and regional positions, alongside independent candidates.

Ethiopia

Following the 2026 election, the Prosperity Party secured the largest number of seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while other parties, including EZEMA, the National Movement of Amhara and Medrek, also gained parliamentary representation.