Ethiopian general election, 1961

The parliamentary elections in Ethiopia in 1961 were the second direct elections to the People's House of Representatives, the lower house of the Ethiopian Parliament.

Electoral system

Were elected the 250 members of the national House of Representatives, the lower house of the Ethiopian Parliament, which had been created under the Constitution of the Empire of Ethiopia in 1955. Were entitled to vote all residents over 21 years, people were those deprived of their civil rights and prisoners were denied the right to vote. Was elected by majority vote, the country was divided into constituencies, each 200,000 voters, of which every sent two MPs in Parliament. Cities with at least 30,000 inhabitants formed a special constituency, but these degritted only one delegate for each additional 50,000 residents of the city was another deputy to. Candidates had at least 25 years old, be in possession since the birth of the Ethiopian citizenship, as " right -lance citizens " apply and can have at least 50 eligible voters supporters. In addition, they had to show in the constituency or other property or an income on the value of 2000 Birr land worth 1000 Birr, all other talk of 850 and 1700 Birr. 250 Birr had to be presented as a security deposit to be admitted as a candidate. The number of potential candidates was significantly reduced by this limitation of passive suffrage: 1000 Birr (after damaligem price about 400 U.S. dollars, in today's purchasing power about 3,238 U.S. dollars) corresponded to the monthly salary of a minister of the central government, and the median income was 150 Birr per year.

Electoral process and election results

The elections were spread over several weeks, from 17 June to 12 July. With a total population of about 21-23 million 4.5 million voters were registered, the number of theoretically entitled to vote, is estimated at about 9 million. For the 250 seats went to 940 candidates, about 2.8 votes Votes were counted. Parties were not allowed, so that all candidates had to compete as independents.

After the election

A true representation of the people placed the Ethiopian Parliament at the time of the monarchy nor does it constitute the guidelines for minimum ownership and the cost of the election campaign, which could amount to several thousand Birr and had to be propped by each candidate alone ensured that the delegates were from the majority of the upper class. Mainly government officials and nobles were represented in Parliament, about 15 % - 20 % of the deputies to the monarchy were Muslim. With a monthly salary of the equivalent of U.S. $ 300 ( in today's purchasing power about 2,428 U.S. dollars) they were all very well paid. The political power initially remained in the hands of Emperor Haile Selassie. Over the years, Parliament nevertheless developed into a political power, even if it took more the interests of the various political groups than the people.