AMN PLUS-June 23, 2026
Ethiopia’s 7th National General Election, held on 1 June 2026, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s largest democratic exercises this year.
The election drew significant attention both domestically and internationally, with more than 54 million registered voters eligible to participate and 42 political parties contesting.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced the successful completion of the nationwide voting process and commended millions of Ethiopians for exercising their constitutional right to vote with patience, vigilance, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Following the election, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised citizens for their commitment to democracy, patriotism, and national unity, reflected in the large voter turnout recorded across the country.
The election was observed by the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Missions. In their preliminary findings, both missions described the election as a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic and electoral evolution.
The observers noted that voting was generally peaceful and orderly, providing citizens with the opportunity to cast their ballots without hindrance. They also highlighted the institutional, administrative, and technological reforms introduced during the electoral process, describing the election as an “Election of Many Firsts.”
The IGAD Election Observation Mission, which deployed 26 observers from member states, monitored the electoral process across several regional states and city administrations and held consultations with key stakeholders, including NEBE, political parties, civil society organizations, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
During the announcement of the election results, today, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu stated that the 7th General Election was marked by broad participation, including increased involvement of women and political parties compared to previous elections.
By Leta Teresa
