Hailemariam Desalegn has been re-elected Prime Minister of Ethiopia and sworn in for a new five year term.
In the inaugural session of the new parliament held on Monday, Hailemariam, who has been in power since the death of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, was re-elected unanimously.
Hailemariam was nominated by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen as prime minister for the victorious EPRDF.
Having served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia following the death of Meles Zenawi in 2012, the swearing in marks his first full term at the helm of the East African country.
He previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Meles.
Hailemariam was also chief administrator of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s (SNNP) Regional State from November 2001 to March 2006.
He was promoted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in October 2010.
Meanwhile, Abadula Gemeda has also been re-elected Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives, while Shitaye Minale reclaimed the deputy speaker’s post.
Abadual, who has held Speaker of the House position since 2010, previously served as chief administrator of the Oromia Regional State and minister of national defence.
