The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (: Yethiopia Hizbawi Abyotawi Party), also referred to as Ihapa or the EPRP, is the first modern political party in Ethiopia, established in April 1972 (the founding congress was held from April 2 – April 9). Its first political program called for the overthrow of the monarchy, the removal of the feudal system, and the creation of a democratic republic. The party was forced into clandestinity because the monarchy, headed by Emperor Haile Selassie, did not allow political parties or legal dissent.