The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially revoked the political party status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), citing the party’s repeated failure to comply with national electoral laws and directives. The decision, effective immediately, marks a major shift in Ethiopia’s post-conflict political landscape.
According to a statement released by the NEBE, the revocation stems from the TPLF’s non-compliance with Proclamation No. 1332/2016 and accompanying directives. The party had been granted legal personality under a “special arrangement” following the Pretoria Agreement, despite its earlier disqualification due to involvement in acts of violence as outlined in Proclamation No. 1162/2011.
NEBE explained that, while it had rejected the TPLF’s request to reinstate its former legal status, it had nonetheless provided the party with an opportunity to register under the revised legal framework introduced in 2024. TPLF leadership accepted this arrangement and received a certificate of registration in August 2024. However, the Board stated that the party later refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of this new legal standing, publicly challenging its validity and refusing to comply with its obligations.
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In response, NEBE issued multiple written warnings and imposed a three-month suspension from political activities to allow the TPLF time to rectify its non-compliance. Despite these measures, the party reportedly failed to take corrective action, leading to the final decision to revoke its registration.
The Board has formally notified both the TPLF and the Ministry of Justice of the decision. It also confirmed that the consequences outlined in Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2011 will be applied to the party and its leadership as appropriate.
This development is expected to have significant political implications, particularly in the Tigray region, and may impact the broader trajectory of Ethiopia’s fragile political reconciliation process.
