A major legal and political rift has emerged between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Interim Administration following a high-stakes decision by the House of Federation (HoF) regarding the upcoming 7th General Election.
On February 23, 2026 , the Tigray Interim Administration issued a sharp condemnation of the HoF, claiming that a new electoral directive violates the federal constitution and the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement. The dispute centers on five strategically significant and highly contested constituencies located along the borders of the Tigray and Amhara regions.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is currently preparing for voter registration, which is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2018 E.C. However, the House of Federation intervened with a directive (Ref No: ፌደም/አፌ/5/13138) aimed at managing areas where territorial claims remain unresolved.
The HoF ruled that until a final constitutional verdict is reached on the ownership of these lands, the following districts will be administered independently for the purpose of the federal election:
Humera
Adiremet
Korem Afla
Telemt
Raya Alamata
Under this plan, residents in these areas will vote for representatives in the Federal House of Peoples’ Representatives, but elections for the Tigray Regional Council will be “postponed indefinitely.” The federal government maintains this is a neutral, temporary measure to ensure residents are not disenfranchised while legal disputes are settled.
The response from Mekelle has been one of staunch opposition. The Tigray Interim Administration argues that the decision was made without the representation or consent of the Tigrayan people. They contend that stripping regional jurisdiction over these areas undermines the “constitutional and federal democratic system” established through years of sacrifice.
”This decision places a direct threat on the constitutional boundaries of Tigray,” the administration’s statement read, calling for an immediate correction to avoid “multi-faceted consequences” for national stability.
Adding weight to the opposition, the Simret Party, led by Getachew Reda, described the move as “constitutional anarchy” and “illegal dancing.” In a formal letter to the NEBE, the party accused the House of Federation of overstepping its legal mandate.
Simret argues that the HoF does not have the authority to restructure electoral districts or place regional lands under federal oversight by decree. The party has issued a clear ultimatum: if the decision is not rescinded, they will withdraw from the election and shift toward an active “political struggle.”
The standoff places the National Election Board in a difficult position. While the NEBE has stated it will implement the law as directed by the House of Federation, the brewing boycott from major regional players threatens the credibility and inclusivity of the 7th General Election in the north.
As both sides dig in, the international community and local observers are watching closely, hoping that the spirit of the Pretoria Agreement—which brought an end to two years of devastating conflict—remains the guiding light for resolving this latest constitutional crisis.