The current mandate of Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was on Wednesday extended after lawmakers voted to delay national elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The polls will now be held 9 to 12 months after health authorities determine that it is safe to do so.

The move by the East African country to delay its election goes opposite to decisions made by other African nations to go on with their polls.

Mali held its legislative elections in April while Burundi held its presidential election in May. Other countries that have hinted at allowing scheduled elections to continue as planned include Malawi in July and Tanzania in October.

The Ethiopian News Agency reported lawmakers to say Wednesday's decision was necessary "as long as COVID-19 continues to pose a health risk."

The lawmakers approved the recommendation of the Constitutional Inquiry Committee that had sought a solution as mandates were set to end in October. The vote had been scheduled for August.

Ethiopia has reported 2,506 COVID-19 infections and 35 deaths, according to the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

The August elections will be a test of Abiy’s influence in the country.

The 43-year-old took office in April 2018, and has been hailed for his peace efforts in and out of the country.

Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year in recognition for his efforts.