AMN Plus-June 1, 2026
Ethiopia’s 7th General Election Officially Begins Nationwide, with Over 54 Million Voters Expected to Participate. In line with the timetable announced by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s 7th General Election officially commenced nationwide at 6:00 a.m. today. More than 54 million registered voters are expected to take part in what is regarded as one of Africa’s largest democratic exercises.
Eligible voters carrying their voter identification cards arrived at polling stations early in the morning ahead of the opening of voting. Polling stations across the country opened in the presence of representatives of competing political parties, election officials, and observers.
According to observations by Addis Media Network correspondents stationed at various polling centers, the voting process is proceeding peacefully, orderly, and smoothly. Information obtained from NEBE indicates that more than 54 million registered voters are taking part in today’s election to choose the political party or candidate they believe should lead the country over the next five years.
A total of 42 political parties are contesting the election. In addition, 10,438 party-affiliated candidates and 80 independent candidates are competing for seats in Ethiopia’s legislative bodies.
Citizens are casting their ballots at approximately 52,000 polling stations established nationwide. To ensure the successful conduct of the election, 359,000 election officials have been deployed across the country and are carrying out their responsibilities. To help strengthen the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, 59 observers from the African Union and 26 observers from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have been deployed to monitor voting activities at polling stations.
The election is also receiving extensive media coverage. A total of 68 domestic media
organizations, including Addis Media Network (AMN), “The Voice of the Generation,” and 12 international media outlets are reporting directly from polling stations across the country, providing comprehensive coverage of the electoral process.
The nationwide vote marks a significant democratic milestone, as millions of Ethiopians exercise their constitutional right to determine the country’s political leadership for the next five years.
African Union (AU) and IGAD observer missions are also monitoring Ethiopia’s election process to assess its transparency and credibility.
By Birhanu Workneh
