Addis Ababa, March 7, 2026 (ENA)—Amid a week marked by significant global developments, including escalating tensions in the Middle East, Ethiopia experienced a series of important national and international milestones. Those highlighted the country’s evolving political, diplomatic, and developmental trajectory. From commemorating one of the most defining victories in its history to expanding diplomatic partnerships and preparing for a technology-driven election, Ethiopia spent the week balancing reflection on its historic legacy with forward-looking reforms. At the heart of the week stood the commemoration of the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, a moment that continues to shape Ethiopia’s national identity and influence its global outlook. Alongside the historic remembrance, key diplomatic engagements, infrastructure development initiatives, democratic reforms, and discussions on agriculture and climate resilience underscored the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, development, and international cooperation. Taken together, the week’s events reflect a country deeply rooted in its past while steadily navigating a path toward economic resilience, political stability, and greater global engagement. Adwa at 130: A Legacy of Unity, Sovereignty, and National Resolve The 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa dominated national attention this week, reminding Ethiopians of the historic triumph that safeguarded the country’s sovereignty and inspired oppressed peoples across Africa and beyond. In messages marking the anniversary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, and President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized that Adwa represents far more than a military victory. It stands as a powerful symbol of unity, patriotism, and national determination. Prime Minister Abiy described the victory as a defining testament to the Ethiopian people’s unwavering resolve to defend their independence and national interests. He noted that despite differences in culture, faith, and political outlook, Ethiopians were able to unite around a shared national purpose. “They were united by a common purpose, but they were not identical. They shared one nation, yet they came from different cultures and professed different faiths,” the Prime Minister said, reflecting on the diverse patriots who marched to Adwa. He also pointed out that the struggle was not only against the invading Italian army but also against collaborators who placed personal interests above national unity. Speaking at the Adwa Victory Memorial under the theme “Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon,” President Taye Atske Selassie similarly emphasized that the victory continues to serve as a blueprint for unity, peace, and sovereignty. “The lesson of Adwa strengthens Ethiopian identity and curbs narrow group thinking,” the President said. “Adwa rejects petty politics, denounces division, and despises corruption, deceit, and intrigue.” According to the President, the true meaning of Adwa today lies in transforming the hard-won freedom of the past into tangible national achievements. Ethiopia must translate the spirit of Adwa into economic strength, geopolitical influence, and strategic progress. Officials across the country echoed the view that the spirit of Adwa must now guide Ethiopia’s development—from agriculture and industry to infrastructure and digital transformation. Expanding Diplomatic Horizons: Ethiopia and Azerbaijan While reflecting on its historic legacy, Ethiopia also strengthened its global partnerships. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed returned to Addis Ababa this week after concluding a successful official visit to Azerbaijan, aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, energy, trade, and governance. During the visit, the Prime Minister held high-level talks with President Ilham Aliyev, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The leaders oversaw the signing of an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and exchanged several memoranda of understanding covering cooperation in agriculture, media development, investment promotion, and anti-corruption initiatives. Additional agreements included collaboration related to the organization of the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) and institutional cooperation between Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service and Ethiopia’s MESOB Service. As part of the visit, the Ethiopian delegation toured major infrastructures such as the Sangachal Terminal and the Alat Free Economic Zone, key pillars of Azerbaijan’s energy and trade networks. Prime Minister Abiy also visited the country’s Artificial Intelligence Academy, highlighting Ethiopia’s growing interest in digital transformation and technological innovation. The visit is expected to open new avenues for economic cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries. Breaking the “Circle of Animosity”: A Call for Dialogue Another major development during the week was an extensive interview given by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), conducted in Tigrinya. In the interview, the Prime Minister discussed Ethiopia’s ongoing nation-building efforts, democratization process, and the challenges posed by long-standing political polarization. He emphasized the need to reimagine Ethiopia’s political landscape in order to build a prosperous and inclusive state. Most notably, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of dialogue as the primary pathway toward sustainable peace, particularly in Northern Ethiopia. Referring to what he described as a “circle of animosity,” the Prime Minister stressed that long-term stability cannot be achieved through military means alone. “I do not believe these issues can find a solution through elections, the courts, or military means alone,” he said. Instead, he emphasized that inclusive dialogue, compromise, and national consensus remain essential for lasting peace and unity. Preparing for a Technology-Driven Democratic Election Preparations for Ethiopia’s upcoming Seventh General Election also advanced during the week. Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Tagesse Chaffo announced that an enabling environment has been established to ensure that the election will be free, democratic, and supported by modern technology. Speaking at a national forum on strengthening judicial and democratic institutions, the Speaker highlighted legislative reforms that have strengthened the independence of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu stated that the electoral process is undergoing a major digital transformation aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. Candidate registration has now been fully digitalized, and voters will be able to register through digital stations, mobile applications, or in person at polling centers. She urged political parties to respect electoral codes of conduct, emphasizing that the use of technology will help ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process. Building Development Through Railway Expansion Infrastructure development also gained momentum this week, particularly in the railway sector. The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the country’s railway network using domestic expertise. Chief Executive Officer Takele Uma made the remarks during a field visit to the AMG–Indoode Link Railway Project, which is being constructed by Ethiopian engineers and technical teams. The project demonstrates Ethiopia’s growing capacity to design and implement complex infrastructure projects independently. “Our forefathers built this nation through sacrifice. It is our responsibility to replicate their contribution by advancing development and strengthening national capacity,” the CEO said. State Minister of Transport and Logistics Dhenge Boru also emphasized that railway expansion remains central to Ethiopia’s strategy of improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub. A Nation Bridging Past and Future Taken together, the week’s developments reflect a nation actively bridging its historic legacy with its future ambitions. From commemorating the Victory of Adwa to strengthening diplomatic partnerships, advancing infrastructure projects, preparing for democratic elections, and promoting national dialogue, Ethiopia continues to navigate a complex yet promising path forward. Officials repeatedly emphasized throughout the week, the spirit that secured victory at Adwa more than a century ago must now guide the country toward sustainable development, national unity, and a brighter future for generations to come.

By staff writer Addis Ababa, March 6, 2026 (ENA)—As Ethiopia prepares for its seventh General Election, the country finds itself at a significant political juncture that reflects the steady evolution of its democratic journey. The upcoming vote represents far more than a routine constitutional exercise; it is a critical milestone in the nation’s efforts to consolidate democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in its political institutions. Over the past decades, Ethiopia has gradually laid the foundations for representative governance by expanding political participation and building a more structured electoral environment for political actors and citizens alike. These developments reflect the country’s broader efforts to deepen democratic practices while strengthening institutions responsible for administering elections and protecting citizens’ rights. In recent years, Ethiopia has undertaken notable reforms aimed at reinforcing key democratic institutions. Among the most important have been reforms within the National Election Board of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, both of which play a vital role in safeguarding electoral integrity and protecting fundamental rights. Equally significant has been the expansion of civic space. The country has taken a decisive step in allowing and strengthening civil society organizations, an important development that had not been witnessed for decades. These reforms have been widely regarded as essential measures for building a more transparent, accountable, and credible democratic system. Scheduled for June 1, 2026, the seventh General Election arrives at a time when public expectations for credible democratic practices are higher than ever. With electoral institutions gaining greater independence and operational capacity, the upcoming vote is expected to serve as an important indicator of Ethiopia’s democratic maturity and the resilience of its governance structures. Political leaders, analysts, and electoral authorities emphasize that this election carries particular significance because it is being conducted within a more strengthened institutional framework compared to previous electoral cycles. The government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for free, fair, and credible elections. In this regard, political parties have begun engaging in debates and presenting their manifestos to voters as the electoral campaign gains momentum. A key milestone in the election process will take place with the start of voter registration tomorrow, on March 6, 2026, across polling stations throughout the country. Field observations conducted by the Ethiopian News Agency in Addis Ketema and Gullele sub-cities of Addis Ababa indicate that essential voter registration materials are already being distributed to electoral wards and polling stations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consistently emphasized the importance of credible elections in strengthening democratic governance and political stability. Addressing the nation on the country’s democratic reform process, he noted that Ethiopia’s democratic journey requires patience, institutional strength, and collective civic responsibility. “Ethiopia’s path toward democracy requires patience, strong institutions, and the collective commitment of citizens to protect the integrity of the electoral process,” the prime minister stated. In a separate parliamentary address on political reforms and electoral governance, he also highlighted the central role of elections in shaping national leadership, noting that “free, fair, and credible elections are the foundation upon which a stable and prosperous democratic system is built.” Electoral History Ethiopia’s electoral experience since the adoption of the federal constitution in 1995 illustrates the gradual evolution of democratic governance in the country. The first national election held that year introduced a multi-party parliamentary system in which members of the House of People's Representatives are elected for five-year terms from single-seat constituencies. Early elections, however, were conducted during periods characterized by political transition and institutional consolidation. At the time, the country was working to stabilize its newly established federal system while constructing the core structures of governance. Some opposition parties boycotted those early elections, and political competition remained limited. Over the following decades, Ethiopia conducted successive elections in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2021. Each electoral cycle reflected changing political dynamics and gradually expanding participation by political actors. Despite challenges that emerged at various stages, the electoral process has progressively broadened in scale, administration, and institutional oversight. Democratic Institutions One of the defining features of the seventh national election is the strengthening of democratic institutions responsible for administering and safeguarding the electoral process. Recent reforms have significantly enhanced the autonomy, professional capacity, and nationwide operational reach of the National Election Board of Ethiopia. The institution has expanded its structures at both federal and regional levels, enabling broader voter registration, improved election management, and more effective monitoring of political parties. The board has also emphasized its commitment to professionalism and transparency, placing priority on ensuring that every eligible Ethiopian voter has the opportunity to participate in a credible and transparent electoral process. Officials from the board underline that strengthening public confidence in elections remains a central institutional objective and a critical factor for the future of democracy in the country. Alongside the election board, other democratic institutions such as the National Dialogue Commission, the judiciary, parliament, and civil society organizations are playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Civil society organizations are now legally permitted to conduct voter education campaigns and observe electoral activities, contributing to greater transparency and strengthening public trust in the system. Speaker of the House of People's Representatives, Tagese Chafo, has also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the electoral process. Speaking at a national forum that brought together judicial and administrative institutions involved in election preparations, he stated that the government will provide the necessary support for the successful conduct of the seventh national election. He further emphasized the importance of cooperation among institutions, noting that ensuring peaceful and credible elections is a responsibility shared by both institutions and citizens. Political Participation Another notable feature of the seventh national election is the growing participation of political actors across the country. Ethiopia’s multi-party system has gradually diversified, with numerous political parties competing for representation in parliament. The upcoming election will bring together political organizations and independent candidates contesting hundreds of seats in the federal legislature. The results will determine the political composition of the House of People’s Representatives and shape the direction of national governance for the next five years. Political analysts suggest that broader participation in elections contributes significantly to strengthening democratic culture by encouraging debate over national policies and development priorities. Competitive elections enable citizens to evaluate different visions for the country and hold leaders accountable through the ballot box. Free, Fair, and Credible Elections For Ethiopia, the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections remains a central pillar of democratic consolidation. Elections serve as the primary mechanism through which citizens exercise their constitutional right to choose representatives and influence the direction of national governance. When citizens trust the fairness of elections, the resulting government enjoys greater legitimacy and stronger capacity to implement policies aimed at national development. Transparent electoral processes therefore contribute significantly to the political legitimacy of the state. Reflecting on this principle, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated during a national discussion on democratic governance that democracy grows when institutions are trusted and when citizens believe their voices are reflected through the ballot. Ensuring fairness in elections requires a comprehensive institutional framework that includes independent election management, impartial legal oversight, and equal opportunities for political parties to compete. It also requires active engagement from voters, political organizations, and civic institutions in protecting the integrity of the process. Deepening Democratic Culture Beyond legal frameworks and administrative procedures, the seventh national election also represents an opportunity to deepen democratic culture across Ethiopian society. Democracy flourishes not only through institutions but also through public trust, political tolerance, and respect for constitutional principles. Peaceful and competitive elections encourage political actors to engage through dialogue, policy debate, and democratic competition rather than confrontation. Such practices help cultivate democratic norms including compromise, accountability, and respect for differing viewpoints. In this context, the National Dialogue Commission has also been working to address national challenges through dialogue and consultation. As democratic practices become more deeply embedded within the political system, elections evolve from moments of political contest into instruments of collective decision-making and national unity. Compared with earlier elections conducted during periods of political transition and institutional formation, the upcoming poll will take place within a more mature framework of electoral governance and constitutional order. While challenges remain, the strengthening of democratic institutions, expanding political participation, and commitment to credible elections demonstrate Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to build a political system that reflects the will of its people. Ultimately, the success of the seventh General Election will depend not only on institutions but also on the shared responsibility of political leaders, citizens, and democratic bodies to uphold transparency, fairness, and peaceful political competition. The election represents both a reflection of Ethiopia’s democratic progress and an opportunity to further consolidate the foundations of inclusive and accountable governance. If conducted successfully, the upcoming vote will reinforce democratic norms, strengthen institutional credibility, and deepen public confidence in the electoral process. Most importantly, it will contribute to Ethiopia’s long-term efforts to advance democratic transition while strengthening the nation-building process through a system in which leadership is determined by the will of the people and guided by constitutional order.