We must stop creating subsidized political parties, the Ethiopian National Election Board said.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia has announced that political parties should not be established based on government subsidies.

The decision is a consequence of the board’s recent revision of service charges.

The board noted that since 1984, when the formation of multiple parties in Ethiopia began, they have been reliant on government support. The purpose of government financial support is to provide more assistance to the parties, not to create jobs.

The deputy chairman of the board, Mr. Wubshet Ayeledogama, emphasized that politicians should refrain from establishing parties with government subsidies.

It is important to note that the Ethiopian Election Board has raised the fee for newly established political parties from 200 birr to 30,000 birr.