Amended Proclamations on Income Tax, National Elections Approved

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2025 (ENA)—The House of People's Representatives has approved today amended proclamations on income tax, and election, registration of political parties as well as code of conduct.

The House approved the amended federal income tax proclamation it said has taken into account the economic situation of the country and broadens the tax base with a majority vote.

 In its second emergency meeting, a report and resolution on the amendment was presented by Desalegn Wedaje, HPR Standing Committee on Planning, Budget and Finance Chairperson.

 According to him, the Income Tax Proclamation that has been in use for a long time did not take the existing digital economy into account.

 The amendments to the proclamation will therefore create a modern tax system that is compatible with the digital economy and play a significant role in increasing the government's revenue collection capacity by broadening the tax base and reducing tax fraud, the Chairperson elaborated.

 Responding to questions raised by members of the HPR, Finance State Minister Eyob Tekalegn said the amended proclamation was prepared after more than two years of research and discussions with stakeholders at all levels.

 He noted that income tax that takes into account the changing economic situation is crucial for the country's planned economic growth; and for this reason, amending the proclamation is appropriate and necessary.

 The House finally approved the amended proclamation with five against and 12 abstention votes.

In a related development, the House of People's Representatives has approved the amended Ethiopian Elections, Political Parties Registration and Electoral Code of Conduct Proclamation.

 The Proclamation amended 26 articles with the view to increasing the political participation of women and persons with disabilities.

 Submitting a report and resolution that amends the proclamation, Democratic Affairs Standing Committee Chair Ewinetu Alene stated that the proclamation has been improved in a way that allows for the seventh round of national elections to be held in a participatory, democratic, and transparent manner.

 Among the amended articles are the participation of women and persons with disabilities in the elections, the submission of complaints, the financing of political parties, and the use of technology.

According to the Standing Committee Chairman, the amended proclamation will create a conducive environment for a better conduct of elections by expanding the political space.

 He also said it will enable transparent, efficient and cost-effective elections by facilitating the complex electoral process with the help of technology.

 Members of the House approved the amended proclamation with two votes against and four abstentions.