'Ballot stronger than bullet': Ethiopian president votes

Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie used election day to deliver a message in support of democratic participation, telling voters that "the ballot is stronger than the bullet" as the country headed to the polls.

The president cast his vote in Addis Ababa on Monday, where footage showed long queues forming outside polling stations before his arrival.

Speaking after voting, Taye acknowledged criticism surrounding the election but said the day carried broader significance.

“I’m very much excited. I know there are so many detractors out there. There's nothing new about it. It has been the case all over the world,” Taye said.

He said the vote was an opportunity for Ethiopians to demonstrate the importance of democratic processes.

“But indeed, this is a day that we show to the world that the ballot is stronger than the bullet. So I'm just voting for my community, voting for myself, and voting for my family. It's a very special day,” he added.

The comments came as millions of Ethiopians took part in the country's seventh national general election.

According to the National Election Board of Ethiopia, more than 50 million people registered to vote. Voters are electing 500 members of the House of Peoples' Representatives, along with representatives to regional and city councils.

The election is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing political tensions and security challenges. The election board excluded 46 constituencies from voting because of active warfare and insurgencies, including all 38 constituencies in Tigray, eight in Amhara and areas of Oromia.

Under Ethiopia's parliamentary system, the party that wins a majority in parliament will select the country's next prime minister.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party is seeking to retain power after governing Ethiopia since 2019.