Ethiopia set to delay polls over 'logistical issues'

By Will Ross

The head of Ethiopia's electoral board has said elections which were due to take place on 5 June will have to be postponed owing to logistical issues.

The board has yet to formalise the decision or set a new date - but it is likely to be a delay of several weeks.

Birtukan Mideksa said there were still challenges with voter registration, training of electoral staff and ballot papers.

The election was initially due to have taken place last year but was postponed because of coronavirus.

The vote will be a key test for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is facing increasing criticism because of the six-month conflict in the northern Tigray region and rising ethnic tensions in other parts of the country.

This article was originally published by BBC News. [Photo: Ethiopia PM’s Office]