Ethiopian Muslims have started a nationwide registration campaign ahead of elections for a new leadership after weeks of protests, as they accuse the government of interfering in their religious affairs.

The current leadership at the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council recently sparked weeks of protest in Addis Ababa, with Muslims accusing the government of religious interference.

A number Muslims arrested during the protests, and accused of violence in mosques, are still in jail.

The elections are expected to be held on 7 October.

The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council announced that registration began on September 13 for the forthcoming elections for the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council in which millions Muslims are expected to vote for a new leadership.

Registration of voters is taking place in the country's nine regional states and two city administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.

The Ethiopian Ulema Fatwa and Da'awa Council said that the registration process will continue until Saturday 22 September.

The council has called on followers of Islam above the age of 18 years to register at the polling stations set up in all the woredas districts of the Addis Ababa City administration, at polling stations set up in different localities in the nine Regional States, and in Dire Dawa.

The council also urged all those participating to work to make the election free and credible.

Ethiopian Muslims, according to the Central Statistics Authority, constitute 33% of the country's 80 million population.