Addis Ababa: The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been embroiled in a controversy following the National Elections Board’s decision to cancel the party’s registration, sparking claims of a manufactured crisis. The Board’s decision came after the TPLF failed to comply with the required registration process, despite efforts by the Federal Government to facilitate a special, expedited registration procedure.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the situation arose after the Pretoria Agreement, which did not address registration issues, was signed. The Electoral Board rejected the TPLF’s request to be reinstated without undergoing the standard registration process required for newly formed parties. The TPLF argued that its long history as a political entity should exempt it from this procedure. However, the Board maintained its stance, leading the Federal Government to propose a legislative amendment to allow TPLF to register through a simplified process, preserving its political identity.
Under the new legislation, the TPLF managed to secure a certificate and regain its status as a political party. Despite this, the TPLF expressed dissatisfaction, calling for “reinstatement” and claiming the registration process was inadequate. The Board’s decision to grant registration under special provisions gave the TPLF all the privileges of a political party, yet the party continued to voice grievances.
Complications escalated when the TPLF held a general assembly to elect new leadership without notifying the National Electoral Board, violating legal requirements. The Board, acknowledging the infraction, provided the TPLF with multiple opportunities and warnings to rectify the situation and comply with legal standards.
Despite having nine months to hold a compliant general assembly, the TPLF failed to do so, resulting in the cancellation of its registration. This deliberate non-compliance has been perceived as a strategic move by the TPLF to create a crisis. Subsequently, the TPLF has claimed that the cancellation could lead to instability and violence, accusations the Board finds disingenuous.
The TPLF’s actions, viewed as a ploy to attract international attention, are seen by some as undermining the Pretoria Agreement. The international community, however, is reminded that the registration of a political party remains an internal matter. Appeals, if any, should be directed to the judiciary rather than seeking external intervention.
Critics argue that the TPLF’s leadership is more focused on diplomatic engagements than addressing the pressing needs of governance and reconstruction in the Tigray region. The international community is urged not to reward the TPLF’s alleged manipulation of the situation, and instead, to support the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement to ensure peace and stability in the region.