The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially revoked the legal status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after the party failed to implement the corrective measures mandated by the board. The decision, according to the NEBE, takes effect on May 13, 2025, following the expiration of a three-month deadline.

In a statement, the board cited the TPLF’s non-compliance with Proclamation No. 1332/2016, under which the party was registered in August 2024. As per the provisions of the proclamation, the TPLF was required to convene a general assembly within six months and notify the board at least 21 days in advance.

Earlier in February, the NEBE had suspended the TPLF from political activities for three months, citing the party’s failure to meet its legal obligations. The board warned that the TPLF would face deregistration if it did not take corrective action within the given timeframe.

According to the board, the TPLF—registered under special circumstances—was found to have violated Article 3(11)(a) of Proclamation No. 1332/2016 and Article 16(6) of the directive issued to enforce the proclamation. The board emphasized that the party was required to operate in accordance with Ethiopian electoral laws, guidelines, and official decisions.

In response, the TPLF has issued multiple statements denouncing its registration as a new party and demanding the restoration of its former legal identity, which was revoked during the war. The party has argued that reinstating its previous legal recognition aligns with the Pretoria Agreement.

On May 9, 2025, the TPLF declared that it would not seek re-registration under any circumstances. In its statement, the party called upon mediators, the African Union panel, and the international community to recognize the serious consequences of failing to restore its legal status and urged them to take action.

In a new statement issued today, the NEBE asserted that the party “has not demonstrated a willingness to fulfill its obligations.” Consequently, the board, in its meeting held on May 13, 2025, decided to officially deregister the TPLF as a political party, effective immediately.

The board further announced that the decision should be formally communicated in writing to the TPLF and the Ministry of Justice, made public, and that Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2011—regarding the consequences of political deregistration—should be enforced against the TPLF and its leaders as appropriate.