Parties and civic committees advocating for the “restoration of Amhara identity and administration” in the territories of Welkayit, T(s)elemt, and Raya filed a formal objection against the Tigray Democratic Solidarity party (Simret) at the Federal First Instance Court in Lideta today concerning the organization of electoral districts in contested areas ahead of the 7th general elections.
The particular legal friction began after the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced on February 23, 2026, that five contested districts—Humera, Adi-Remets, Korem-Ofla, T(s)elemt, and Raya Alamata—would only participate in federal elections. The NEBE suspended regional council voting in these areas pending a final territorial resolution by the House of Federation.
Simret, led by former Tigray Interim President Getachew Reda, challenged this decision. On February 26, 2026, the Federal High Court granted Simret a temporary injunction, suspending the NEBE’s decision and effectively keeping the possibility of regional voting open for those districts.
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The Raya Rayuma Democratic Party, the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), and the Amhara Democratic National Movement, alongside the Welkayit Tegede Amhara Identity and Administration Committee (headed by Colonel Demeke Zewdu), submitted their objections this week.
They argue that Simret’s legal challenge constitutes constitutional overreach and attempts to interfere in territories they maintain are under Amhara jurisdiction.
During the session on Wednesday, the NEBE submitted its formal response to the court regarding Simret’s initial complaint.
The presiding judge, Seble Kinfe, reviewed the initial filings and adjourned the case to March 11, 2026, to allow for a full hearing on the merits of the objections.
