ADDIS ABABA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Polling stations opened across Ethiopia on Monday morning as millions of voters are set to cast their ballots in the country's seventh general election.

According to the National Election Board of Ethiopia, more than 54 million Ethiopians have registered to vote. Voters will elect representatives to the House of Peoples' Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, as well as members of regional councils.

Election authorities said that more than 10,000 candidates from 42 political parties, along with several independent candidates, are contesting seats in both the House and regional legislatures.

Under Ethiopia's constitution, the political party or coalition that wins a majority of seats in the House is entitled to form the government and appoint the prime minister.

Voting will last one day, with official results expected to be announced around 10 days later. Except for those providing essential services, all workplaces are closed to facilitate voting. ■