European Union Cancels Election-Observer Mission to Ethiopia

  • EU says government refused to agree to standard requirements
  • Bloc cites concerns about security before June 5 elections
Abiy AhmedPhotographer: Michael Tewelde/AFP/Getty Images
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The European Union abandoned a plan to send monitors to observe elections in Ethiopia next month, citing concerns about security.

The decision risks undermining the credibility of a long-delayed vote that will be a critical test of reforms implemented by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The nation’s electoral authorities are facing difficulties organizing the ballot because of unrest that’s flared in various parts of the country.