Candidates

Any registered voter can stand as an election candidate provided they are:

• Ethiopian

• Speak the language of the region where they intend to stand

• Will be at least 21 years old on the date of the election

• Have been regularly resident in the constituency where they intend to stand for two years prior to the date of the    election or were born in the Wereda or town where they intend to stand.

Independent candidates must produce signatures of support from 1,000 constituency residents who are eligible to vote. Candidates presented by a political organisation do not need to provide endorsement signatures to register. Registered candidates can choose symbols of their own choice. The ownership of the symbols of party organisations is certified by the Board.

A total of 1845 candidates from 35 political parties and including 353 independent candidates, have been registered to contest seats for the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

A total of 3662 candidates from 33 political parties and including 70 independent candidates, are registered to contest seats in the Regional Councils.

For a breakdown of registered candidates, by region and by gender, for both federal and regional elections and related information, click on the links below.
• Guidelines on the registration of candidates

• Registered political parties for:
              • Regional Parliamentary Election
              • Federal Parliamentary Election

• NEBE decision of 23 November 2004 to extend the time period for candidate registration for
  May 2005 elections