The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially announced the revocation of the Tigray People's Liberation Front's (TPLF) status as a political party, effective May 13, 2025. This decision follows a protracted process involving warnings, a temporary suspension, and ultimately, the party's alleged failure to adhere to the country's electoral laws and regulations.
According to a statement released by the NEBE today, the decision stems from the TPLF's non-compliance with Proclamation No. 1332/2016 and related directives, despite having been granted legal personality under a "special arrangement" following the Pretoria Agreement. The board emphasized that while it initially rejected the TPLF's request for the reinstatement of its previous legal standing, which was revoked due to the party's involvement in acts of violence under Proclamation No. 1162/2011, a new opportunity for registration under a "special arrangement" was provided following the amendment of the electoral law.
The NEBE stated that the TPLF's top leadership had acknowledged and agreed to the terms of this "special arrangement" registration in August 2024, receiving their certificate and a corresponding letter. However, the Board claims that the party subsequently refused to recognize this new legal standing, asserting its invalidity and demonstrating an unwillingness to comply with legal obligations.
Despite repeated written warnings and a three-month suspension from all political activities granted to allow the TPLF to take corrective measures, the NEBE concluded that the party remained unwilling to fulfill its legal duties. The Board cited Article 3(11)(c) of Proclamation No. 1332/2016 and Article 19(1)(c) of Directive No. 25/2016 as the legal basis for its final decision to dissolve the TPLF's registration.
The statement highlighted that the TPLF had actively participated in the "special arrangement" registration process in July 2024, submitting the required documents after the amended proclamation was publicly announced and in effect. The NEBE underscored that the party was fully aware of the purpose and implementation of this new legal framework at the time of its application and subsequent registration.
The decision to revoke the TPLF's political party status has been formally communicated in writing to both the TPLF and the Ministry of Justice. The NEBE also announced 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.
This move by the Ethiopian Electoral Board marks a significant development in the country's political landscape and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the TPLF and the broader political dynamics in Ethiopia.