Referendum Tests Ethiopia’s Ability for Peaceful Elections

  • Plebiscite comes before planned general election next year
  • Scores dead in violence sparked by delay to referendum

Sidama ethnic group supporters in Awasa, Ethiopia.

Photographer: Michael Tewelde/AFP via Getty Images

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Ethiopia’s ethnic Sidama voted Wednesday in a referendum on creating a new regional state, the likely precursor to a series of plebiscites that will test demands for more autonomy.