Ethiopia poll delay may aid fairness but breed discord

Significance

A new date has not been set.

Impacts

• Opposition actors may hope local elections can now be organised but the further delays this would entail may curb their appetite.
• The delay should move the elections outside the rainy season, easing logistics and enhancing prospects for fairness and peace.
• If security can be improved during the delay, this could boost the polls’ legitimacy and help the opposition to organise in key areas.