PFDJ

PFDJ stands for the People's Front for Democracy and Justice. It is the ruling political party of Eritrea and was established in 1994 as the successor to the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) after independence. The party’s name reflects its stated goals of democracy and justice. Since independence, the PFDJ has been the dominant political organization in Eritrea; the country has not held nationwide multi-party elections, and the constitution remains unimplemented.

Leadership and organization: The party is led by Isaias Afwerki, who also serves as the President of Eritrea. It operates a centralized leadership structure with a central committee and political committees that coordinate with government ministries, the security services, and the armed forces. Because the PFDJ and the state are closely intertwined, opposition parties operate under severe restrictions.

Ideology and program: Officially the PFDJ promotes national unity, sovereignty, and social and economic development, drawing on nationalist and socialist-influenced ideas from the EPLF era. It emphasizes self-reliance, a non-aligned foreign policy, and a centralized approach to governance and planning.

Criticism and status: The Eritrean political system has been criticized by international human rights organizations for restricting political rights, freedom of expression, and the media, and for the lack of multiparty competition. The government maintains that its system is necessary for national security and development given regional challenges.