Election Board Revokes Legal Status of Tigray People’s Liberation Front

Addis Ababa, May 14, 2025 (ENA)— The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has revoked the legal status of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) today.

In a statement it issued today, NEBE declared that the decision to revoke the party followed a long process involving warnings, a temporary suspension, and a failure to adhere to the country's electoral laws and regulations.

 The decision was formally communicated in writing to the TPLF and the Ministry of Justice, it was learned.

 The Board added that the consequences of this dissolution, as outlined in Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2011, will be implemented on the TPLF and its leadership as deemed appropriate.

The NEBE recalled that the TPLF had initially been suspended in accordance with Article 98 of Proclamation No. 1162/2019, citing its involvement in violent activities.

 Following the Pretoria Agreement, the TPLF submitted a request seeking the reinstatement of its legal status; although the Board rejected the application citing the lack of any legal provision permitting the reinstatement of a party revoked due to violence, the statement further cited.

 However, the enactment of Proclamation No. 1332/2024, which amended the previous party registration law, created a new legal framework; and under that new framework the TPLF reapplied for registration under “special arrangement”.

 The Ministry of Justice, within its legal mandate, also issued a letter supporting the application of the party; and the NEBE subsequently granted the party legal status under certificate number 1162/11/5180.

 Despite being granted legal recognition under these special provisions, the Board stated that the TPLF failed to meet the responsibilities and the Board’s registration conditions.

 Repeated notices urging compliance were ignored, and the party continued to reject the legitimacy of its new registration certificate, insisting instead on the restoration of its former legal identity, one that had not been reinstated under the certificate, formally accepted by the party’s leadership.

 The statement also recalled that it had clarified that the TPLF no longer held legal status due to its violent actions and it further explained that the TPLF's application constituted a fresh request under the new legal framework, and the party applied with full knowledge of the amended regulations.

 The Board suspended the party for three months, warning it that if it fails to take corrective measures within the stated period its registration will be revoked.

 As the party has now failed to address the issues raised during the period, its legal status is revoked.