Elections have been held in the Somali region of Ethiopia, where voters turned out in massive numbers to cast their ballots. The elections for the 23 seats have been held three months after the rest of the country went to the polls under the country’s split election cycle, because of the greater logistical demand on resources required for the registering and polling of the large pastoralist population.

Election re-runs where also held in 31 Federal Parliamentary seats, following the thorough investigation of complaints of irregularities during the initial poll on 15^th May.

It was estimated that two million people voted in more than 760 polling stations. Election officials estimated voter turnout to be at around 80%. The turnout was so large, that most polling stations were open from 6:30am.

The final results of the re-runs and the Somali elections are awaited, although they will not affect the make up of the new legislature, as the EPRDF has secured enough of a majority to enable it to form the next government. The House of People’s Representatives will convene on 10^th October, and a new government will be formed by the Prime Minister.

ENDS