NEBE revokes TPLF’s legal status over non-complianc

ADDIS ABABA – The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has revoked the legal status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), citing persistent non-compliance with legal obligations tied to its registration as a political party under special circumstances.

The decision, which became effective on May 13, 2025, follows the expiration of a three-month corrective deadline issued in February.

According to the NEBE, the TPLF failed to hold a general assembly and notify the Board in accordance with Proclamation No. 1332/2016—a legal framework that allows political groups with a history of armed struggle to register under “special circumstances.” The party was granted this status in August 2024 on the condition that it would fulfill specific obligations, including convening an assembly within six months and allowing NEBE to monitor the process.

The Board noted that the TPLF, despite acknowledging and accepting the terms of the proclamation at the time of its registration, failed to meet these requirements. As a result, the NEBE stated the party had   violated both the proclamation and Directive No. 25/2016, leaving the Board with no choice but to revoke its legal recognition.

This marks the second time the NEBE has taken such action against the TPLF. In 2023, the party was dissolved under Article 98 of Proclamation No. 1162/2011 due to its participation in armed insurgency. Although the TPLF appealed for reinstatement in April 2023, the Board denied the request, citing the absence of legal provisions for restoring a party dissolved for engaging in violence.

The TPLF later submitted a formal application for recognition under the amended proclamation in July 2016. After submitting the required documentation including its bylaws, leadership roster, and political program—the party was granted legal status under the “special circumstances” provision in August 2024.

However, NEBE said the party has since disregarded its legal responsibilities, even after being issued multiple warnings and given extended time to comply. The Board emphasized that it had exercised patience and acted within the legal framework to offer the TPLF a fair opportunity to maintain its status.

NEBE concluded that the TPLF’s repeated failure to meet its obligations, despite formal acknowledgment of the law and its provisions, amounted to a clear rejection of the legal framework. Consequently, the party’s registration has been annulled, and it is no longer recognized as a legal political entity in Ethiopia.

BY STAFF REPORTER

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 15 MAY 2025

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