Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 —The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the deployment of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Ethiopia ahead of the country’s 7th General Election, scheduled for 1st June 2026. In it press statement sent to ENA, the regional bloc said the mission was deployed at the invitation of the Government of Ethiopia and the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), underscoring ongoing regional engagement in supporting democratic and electoral processes across the Horn of Africa. The IGAD mission is led by former Vice President of Uganda, Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe and former President of the National Assembly of Djibouti, deputized by Mohamed Ali Houmed. The delegation comprises 26 short-term observers drawn from IGAD member states, including representatives from election management bodies, civil society organizations, and women’s and youth groups. According to IGAD, observers will be deployed across several regional states, as well as the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations, where they will monitor key stages of the electoral process on polling day, including the opening of polling stations, voting procedures, ballot counting, and the closing of polls. The mission said its assessment will be guided by Ethiopia’s electoral laws and regional and international democratic frameworks, including the IGAD Draft Protocol on Democracy, Governance and Elections, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. As part of its mandate, the delegation is expected to engage a broad range of electoral stakeholders, including the National Electoral Board, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, security institutions, political parties, civil society groups, media representatives, and both domestic and international observer organizations. IGAD stated that the mission will issue a preliminary assessment of the conduct of the election during a press conference scheduled for 3 June 2026 at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. A comprehensive final report will follow after the official announcement of the election results by NEBE. The deployment comes as Ethiopia draws heightened regional and international attention over its democratic transition, electoral inclusiveness, and political stability, with observers viewing the election as an important test of institutional credibility and democratic governance in Africa’s second-most populous nation.

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 —The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially announced the completion of all necessary preparations to conduct the country’s seventh general election, scheduled to take place on June 1, 2026. Speaking at a press briefing, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu confirmed that the board has successfully executed its operational plans and has officially entered the final phase of the electoral process. She stated that the registration of political party candidates, voter registration, and the establishment of special polling stations were all carried out within the planned timeframe. According to the Chairperson, the coordination and distribution of election materials to constituencies across the country has also been completed. She noted that ballot papers were printed abroad and are currently being distributed to polling stations. Melatwork said the board has handled complaints submitted during the election process in a neutral manner by assigning individuals free from political affiliation. To enhance public awareness, NEBE organized 19 debate forums in five languages, which were broadcast through various media outlets. She added that political parties were provided with free campaign airtime, including 782.5 hours of radio coverage, 520 hours of television airtime, and 576 newspaper columns. For the successful conduct of the election, more than 220,000 party representatives, 64 media institutions, and 1,814 journalists have been granted accreditation and reporting permits, she said. The Chairperson also noted that licenses were issued to 169 civil society organizations engaged in voter education, while 114 of them received financial support from the board. Observer licenses were also granted to 55 civil society organizations. As the election silence period begins on May 28, Melatwork urged all political parties to conclude their campaign activities within the remaining time. She finally called on voters to go to their respective polling stations on June 1, 2026, and cast their ballots by exercising their constitutional rights.

The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has officially arrived in Ethiopia to observe the upcoming general elections scheduled for June 1, 2026. The high-level mission, deployed at the formal invitation of the Government of Ethiopia, is being led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. According to a statement issued by the African Union, the mission consists of 73 Short-Term Observers drawn from 37 African countries, with women representing 61 percent of the delegation. The observer team includes ambassadors accredited to the African Union, election management officials, civil society representatives, election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, as well as youth representatives. The observers will be deployed across different regions of Ethiopia to monitor key election-day activities, including the opening of polling stations, voting procedures, vote counting, and the tabulation of results.   The AUEOM stated that its assessment will be guided by Ethiopia’s legal framework governing elections, the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and other regional and international standards for democratic elections. During its mission, the AU delegation is also expected to engage with state institutions, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, media representatives, members of the diplomatic community, and other election observation missions operating in the country. The mission is scheduled to release a preliminary statement on its observations and assessment of the electoral process during a press conference in Addis Ababa on June 3, 2026. According to the African Union, a final and comprehensive report containing the mission’s findings and recommendations will be published within two months after the elections.

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 —As dawn breaks across Ethiopia’s highlands, lowlands, crowded cities, and remote rural villages, millions of citizens are preparing for an event that many increasingly see not simply as a constitutional exercise, but as a national moment of transformation. Ethiopia’s seventh general election, scheduled for June 1, 2026, is shaping into one of the country’s most consequential democratic undertakings, defined by unprecedented voter participation, institutional reform, and a growing determination to make the electoral process more inclusive, credible, and technologically modern. For a country whose political history has long been shaped by centralization, conflict, reform, and renewal, the 2026 election represents more than a contest between political parties. It reflects Ethiopia’s broader attempt to strengthen public trust in institutions and widen the space for civic engagement in one of Africa’s most populous and strategically significant nations. A Record-Breaking Democratic Mobilization The clearest symbol of this transformation is the sheer scale of voter registration. More than 50.5 million Ethiopians have registered to vote; an unprecedented figure that election officials and political observers alike describe as a historic milestone in the country’s democratic evolution. From Addis Ababa’s expanding urban neighborhoods to remote communities in Oromia, Amhara, Somali, Sidama, Afar, Gambella regions, and beyond, registration centers have witnessed sustained public turnout, signaling a rising sense of political awareness and civic responsibility. For many Ethiopians, especially younger voters, participation in the election is increasingly viewed not merely as a legal right, but as a personal stake in the country’s future. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the surge in registration reflects years of effort to improve accessibility and expand outreach mechanisms. Officials point to simplified enrollment procedures, stronger coordination with local administrations, and extensive voter education campaigns aimed at reaching historically underrepresented populations, including rural communities, women, and first-time voters. In many areas, civic mobilization has also taken on a deeply human dimension. Community elders encouraging peaceful participation, university students volunteering in awareness campaigns, and local civil society groups helping citizens navigate registration procedures have collectively transformed the electoral process into a broader national conversation about citizenship and inclusion. A Transition on Political Competition Political parties participating in the election have similarly noted a shift in the broader political environment. While Ethiopia’s political landscape remains complex, polarized, occasionally fragile, many parties say the current process has created more space for organized competition, dialogue, and public engagement than in previous electoral cycles. Across the country, parties have intensified grassroots organizing, expanded media outreach, and strengthened constituency-level coordination structures in preparation for the vote. Campaign discussions are increasingly focused on governance, economic opportunity, youth employment, infrastructure, and national unity. These issues are resonating deeply with ordinary Ethiopians navigating rapid social and economic change. Stakeholders involved in the electoral process also observe that many longstanding tensions surrounding political competition are now being addressed more frequently through institutional channels, dialogue forums, and legal mechanisms rather than confrontation alone. Though challenges remain, the expanding culture of procedural engagement is widely viewed as an important step toward strengthening democratic norms. Rebuilding the Machinery of Elections Behind the scenes, one of the most important stories of the 2026 election is institutional restructuring. Since 2018, Ethiopia has undertaken significant reforms aimed at rebuilding confidence in electoral governance. These changes have sought to improve the autonomy, professionalism, and operational efficiency of election administration while reducing perceptions of political interference. Central to this effort is Proclamation No. 1133/2019, legislation widely regarded as a foundational reform that strengthened the legal independence and authority of the electoral body. The law expanded oversight responsibilities, clarified administrative mandates, and introduced reforms intended to improve transparency and procedural consistency. The impact of those reforms is now becoming visible on the ground. Nearly 195,000 election workers have been deployed nationwide to support polling station operations, voter verification, logistics coordination, and constituency management. In a country where geography alone presents enormous administrative challenges from mountainous terrain to sparsely populated border regions, the scale of the logistical operation is extraordinary. Election officials say the expanded workforce is designed not only to improve efficiency but also to reduce delays, strengthen accountability, and ensure broader access to electoral services in remote communities often excluded from national administrative processes. Ethiopia’s Digital Election Era Perhaps the most striking feature of the 2026 election is Ethiopia’s embrace of digital technology. At the center of this modernization effort is the “Mirchaye” digital voter registration system, developed in partnership with Ethio telecom. The platform combines mobile-based registration tools with field-level verification systems, enabling centralized data processing and real-time cross-checking of voter information. For many Ethiopians accustomed to paper-heavy bureaucracy, the transition represents a major institutional shift. Election authorities say the digital platform reduces duplication, minimizes administrative errors, and significantly improves the accuracy and integrity of voter lists. More importantly, the system is helping bridge logistical gaps that have historically complicated election management in geographically distant areas. The significance of this technological transition extends beyond elections alone. It reflects Ethiopia’s broader push toward digital governance and modernization across public institutions. Increasingly, public institutions are adopting data-driven systems aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and evidence-based administration. Analysts argue that the successful digital registration of voters could become one of the most important governance milestones in modern Ethiopian history. In a region where logistical constraints often undermine electoral credibility, Ethiopia’s attempt to digitize key aspects of election administration may set a new benchmark for institutional modernization across Africa. The shift is also especially significant for Ethiopia’s youth population, the largest demographic group in the country. Digital systems are making participation more accessible to younger citizens who are already deeply connected to mobile technology and online communication platforms. Safeguarding Fairness and Public Trust Modern elections are not judged solely by turnout figures. Their legitimacy depends equally on whether citizens believe the process is fair. To address this concern, the East African nation has introduced a range of procedural safeguards designed to strengthen transparency and ensure balanced competition among political actors. Among the most notable measures are ballot-order lotteries intended to eliminate positional advantages for parties and regulated allocations of free airtime on public broadcasting platforms. Standardized campaign regulations and clearer accreditation procedures have also been introduced to reduce inconsistencies in enforcement and improve administrative neutrality. Government institutions have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to delivering a peaceful and credible election. Coordination among security agencies has reportedly been strengthened to prevent election-related violence, while legal mechanisms for handling electoral complaints and disputes have been expanded to improve responsiveness and public confidence. Equally important are the country’s growing voter education initiatives. Across urban centers and rural districts, campaigns are underway to combat misinformation, explain voting procedures, and encourage informed participation. Authorities and civic groups alike describe these efforts as essential to maintaining stability during a politically sensitive period. So far, early reports from domestic observers suggest that preparations in several regions have remained largely peaceful, generating cautious optimism about the broader pre-election atmosphere. Civil Society Steps Forward One of the quieter but increasingly influential developments in Ethiopia’s democratic journey is the growing role of civil society organizations. Community groups, advocacy organizations, youth networks, and civic associations are playing a more active role in voter education, election monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. Their participation is helping deepen transparency at the grassroots level while strengthening local accountability mechanisms around polling stations and constituency processes. For many Ethiopians, this expanding civic engagement signals an important cultural shift: democracy is no longer viewed solely as the responsibility of political elites or government institutions, but as a shared national undertaking requiring citizen participation. International and regional observers are also closely monitoring the process, including representatives from the African Union. Their attention extends beyond Ethiopia itself. As one of Africa’s largest and most influential countries, Ethiopia’s electoral trajectory carries broader implications for democratic governance and regional stability throughout the Horn of Africa. A Defining Moment for Ethiopia and Africa No election alone can resolve every political challenge facing a nation as large, diverse, and complex as Ethiopia. Sustaining public trust will ultimately depend on the neutrality of institutions, the peaceful management of disputes, and the willingness of all actors to respect constitutional processes. Yet the direction of the current electoral cycle is unmistakable. The record-breaking voter registration turnout, widening civic participation, institutional restructuring, and adoption of digital electoral systems together point toward a country attempting to redefine how democratic participation functions in the 21st century. For millions of Ethiopians, the 2026 election is becoming more than a political event. It is emerging as a test of whether reform, technology, and inclusion can help build stronger national institutions in a rapidly changing society. If successfully managed, Ethiopia’s seventh general election may not only reshape the country’s democratic trajectory. It could hugely also offer an important example for African electoral governance in an era increasingly defined by demands for transparency, participation and institutional credibility.

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on Ethiopians to embrace the values of sacrifice, obedience, and mutual support as Muslims celebrate the 1,447th Eid al-Adha (Arafa) holiday tomorrow. In a message shared on his social media platforms today, the PM wrote that Eid al-Adha symbolizes three major values: sacrifice, obedience, and mutual support. The Day of Arafa holds deep significance among the Muslim community because it is a holiday that commemorates a father offering his son as a sacrifice, a son obeying his father’s command, and Muslims demonstrating to the world the values of solidarity and mutual support, the premier elaborated. Prime Minister Abiy noted that Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son demonstrated unwavering faith and determination, despite emotional hardship, social pressure and temptation. According to him, a nation is built by citizens who place collective national interests above individual desires and are ready to make sacrifices for the country. Ethiopia can only become stronger through citizens who are committed to giving rather than taking, and through resilience during times of challenge, the PM stressed. PM Abiy called on Ethiopians to contribute to the country’s development through hard work, unity and dedication. “If we truly wish to see a prosperous Ethiopia, our hopes must be reflected through action,” he noted, urging citizens to shoulder responsibility in overcoming poverty, restoring national dignity and building a stronger future. The premier also highlighted the social and humanitarian dimensions of Eid al-Adha, saying the holiday teaches compassion, sharing and collective responsibility. Islamic teachings encourage Muslims to share part of their sacrificial offerings with the poor and needy as no one should remain hungry or excluded during the celebration, the PM said. Describing Eid al-Adha as a community-centered holiday, he pointed out that the strong social bonds and cooperation are essential for national peace, security, and stability. The Prime Minister further linked civic participation with democratic responsibility, stating that elections are among the most important tools for fulfilling social and civic duties in a democratic society. Referring to Ethiopia’s upcoming general election on Monday, PM Abiy said the vote will serve as a foundation for strengthening the country’s constitutional order and democratic culture. He called on citizens to prepare not only to celebrate the holiday but also to exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities through active participation in the election. He concluded by extending Eid al-Adha greetings and best wishes to Muslims in Ethiopia and across the world.

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 —The Council of Ministers passed today decisions on loan agreements spanning agriculture, energy, trade, and climate finance as well as wide ranging legislative frameworks. The Council of Ministers initially examined two loan agreements. First on the agenda was a 46.3-million USD loan agreement secured from the African Development Bank for the execution of the Pastoral Food and Livelihood Improvement Project. The second is a loan agreement of 146.1 million SDR from the International Development Association to finance the sixth phase of the Productive Safety Net Program. Ascertaining that both loan agreements align with the nation’s debt management policy, the Council unanimously decided to forward the respective draft ratification proclamations to the House of People's Representatives. The Council then reviewed a draft proclamation tabled to amend the Federal Tax Administration Proclamation. While the Tax Administration Proclamation No. 983/2016 has served as the governing legal framework, the far-reaching macroeconomic transformations witnessed across the country over recent years have necessitated an overhaul to harmonize the system with contemporary global benchmarks, settle tax disputes in a fair, amicable, and efficient manner, institute a culture of transparency and accountability, and ensure robust enforcement of tax laws. Following deliberations, the Council integrated key inputs and unanimously voted to refer the draft proclamation to the House of People's Representatives. The Council also discussed the draft proclamation on the Ethiopian Carbon Market. The bill sets the legal foundation to operationalize the national carbon market strategy, attract green investments, facilitate technology transfer, establish clear regulations for carbon trading mechanisms, and implement safeguards to protect local communities and environments hosting carbon projects, while introducing an equitable framework for revenue sharing among the government, developers, local communities, and key stakeholders, ensuring that Ethiopia honors its commitments under international climate treaties and greenhouse gas emission reduction pledges. The Council unanimously approved the draft proclamation and referred it to the House of People's Representatives. The draft Ethiopian Statistics Proclamation was the other agenda item tabled for discussion. The bill seeks to ensure the professional independence of the Ethiopian Statistical Service, clearly delineates the regulatory and executive roles of oversight and implementing bodies, strengthens coordination among all producers of official statistics, uphold data confidentiality, elevate the quality and accessibility of statistical outputs, and align domestic statistical methodologies with international principles and standards. The Council enriched the draft and unanimously voted to forward it to the House of People's Representatives. Furthermore, the Council deliberated on the draft National Energy Policy. Harmonized with the Homegrown Economic Reform, the Ten-Year Development Plan, the Green Economy Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the policy outlines a framework to harness the nation's energy resources affordably, guaranteeing a sustainable, reliable, secure, cost-effective, and competitive energy supply while maximizing benefits for all citizens. After comprehensive deliberations, the Council enriched the document and unanimously decreed its immediate implementation from the date of its adoption. The Council then turned its attention to the draft National Policy on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality. The policy is structured to confront the root causes of systemic gender disparities, fortify mechanisms for the prevention of, protection from, and response to gender-based violence, and address the specific needs of women with disabilities and other highly vulnerable segments of the population, aligned with international and continental gender equality treaties ratified by Ethiopia.   The policy was unanimously approved for immediate implementation. The Council also appraised the draft Insurance Proclamation. It is designed to serve as a robust legal framework to govern and guide the insurance sector, bolster market credibility, foster a fair, safe, and stable insurance ecosystem, and protect the interests of policyholders and insurance clients. Following review, the Council unanimously decided to forward it to the House of People's Representatives. The Council proceeded to deliberate on the draft Ethiopian Trade Policy. The policy is structured to effectively steer domestic and international trade systems, reinforce interventions designed to bridge specific market gaps, diversify export commodities and services to reduce the historical over-reliance on primary agricultural products, establish rigorous product safety standards and fair trade practices, and offer strategic support to domestic industries to build competitive capacity and enhance productivity. The Council debated on the policy and unanimously approved its implementation starting from the date of its adoption. It then reviewed a draft amendment regulation introduced to redefine the organizational structure, mandates, and duties of the Petroleum and Energy Authority. The regulation seeks to empower the Authority to discharge its statutory responsibilities with heightened efficiency and competence. Following extensive deliberations on the text, the Council incorporated key inputs and unanimously decreed that the regulation shall enter into force upon its publication in the Federal Negarit Gazette. The Council further considered a draft regulation aimed at establishing clear rules for the transparency of beneficial ownership information concerning entities endowed with legal personality. This regulation provides the necessary enforcement mechanisms for effective execution of the existing proclamation on the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism. Following a comprehensive review, the Council incorporated inputs and unanimously decided that the regulation be effective upon its publication in the Federal Negarit Gazette. The draft Food System and Nutrition Proclamation was the other issued discussed by the Council. The bill provides a legal foundation to execute interventions meant to mitigate and eliminate the adverse impacts of malnutrition on public health, education, the environment, productivity, social cohesion, and the national economy, establishing a coordinated national oversight structure, securing sustainable resource allocation, and enhancing community ownership, thereby steering the nation toward achieving its global food system commitments and domestic nutritional targets. The Council thoroughly reviewed the draft and unanimously resolved to forward it to the House of People's Representatives. Finally, the Council deliberated on a draft regulation brought forward to govern the allocation of government budgetary support to autonomous universities. The regulation aims to transition state funding for autonomous institutions toward a transparent, block-grant system that ensures financial accountability, equity, and efficiency, while encouraging higher learning institutions to gradually increase cost-sharing capabilities and maintain standard educational outcomes under a framework of mutual responsibility. Following discussion, the Council enriched the draft and unanimously ratified the regulation, decreeing its enforcement upon publication in the Federal Negarit Gazette. In addition, the Council discussed a legislative framework designed to transition the agricultural sector from traditional practices to a business-driven model, amplify the market bargaining power of smallholder producers, foster value addition and integrated industrial input linkages, legally support the transition of capable smallholders into medium-scale developers, reinforce national food security, and stimulate job creation. The draft proclamation on establishment of Agricultural Business Company was then referred to the House of People's Representatives.

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 —Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to strengthening long-standing ties with African nations. Putin also highlighted Africa’s growing role in global affairs and its increasing influence in shaping international cooperation. In a message marking Africa Day, President Putin extended warm greetings to African heads of state and government, describing the occasion as a powerful symbol of the continent’s historic struggle against colonialism and its continuing pursuit of peace, development, and prosperity. He noted that African countries have made significant progress in recent years, particularly in economic and social development, and emphasized that the continent is becoming an increasingly important voice in addressing global challenges. Putin also pointed to the growing strength of continental and regional cooperation frameworks, commending the African Union and subregional organizations for deepening integration and improving collective responses to conflict and instability across parts of the continent. According to the Russian leader, relations between Russia and Africa are grounded in what he described as shared principles of sovereignty, equality, and opposition to external political or economic pressure. He reiterated Moscow’s vision of a “multipolar world order” based on international law and more balanced global governance. “The Russian Federation attaches great importance to strengthening traditional ties of friendship with African countries,” Putin said. He added that both sides share an interest in building a more just and inclusive international system. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the upcoming Russia–Africa Summit scheduled for October in Moscow, saying it would provide an opportunity to further deepen cooperation across political, economic, and development-related fields. He added that he looks forward to hosting African leaders and expanding dialogue on areas of mutual interest. The message is widely interpreted as part of Moscow’s continued effort to position itself as a key partner in Africa amid a rapidly evolving global order marked by increasing multipolarity and strategic competition

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 — Young people across Ethiopia say their growing participation in the upcoming June 1, 2026 election reflects expanding civic space and increasing public confidence in the country’s electoral process. In interviews with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), youth representatives from different regions described the current electoral environment as more open and competitive compared to previous elections, noting broader participation by opposition parties and greater opportunities for political engagement. A representative of the Somali Region Youth Peace Society, Dalha Farhan Abdulahi, said the ongoing campaign period has allowed political parties to freely present their programs and ideas without intimidation. According to him, the presence of multiple competing parties and candidates has created a more inclusive political atmosphere than in past elections. Dalha said the current electoral process demonstrates notable progress compared to earlier polls, where political competition was often viewed as limited. He also emphasized the important role of youth before, during and after the election, stressing that voting should be seen as part of a broader democratic culture rather than a source of division. The youth leader called on young people to reject hate speech, misinformation and other forms of inflammatory rhetoric that could undermine peace and social cohesion. “We are encouraging youth not to engage in hate speech, misinformation or disinformation that could create conflict and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere,” he said. From Gambela Region, youth representative Bol Dibnol said he had already registered and collected his voter identification card, while encouraging other young people to actively participate in the election. “We are waiting for election day so that we can cast our vote and make our voices heard,” he told ENA. Bol noted that many young people in the region are showing strong interest in the election and expressed optimism that the process will remain peaceful. He added that youth associations are working to encourage calm, orderly and responsible participation throughout the voting process. “My role is to encourage youth and all Ethiopians to participate peacefully in the election,” he said. According to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), more than 50 million citizens are eligible to vote in the upcoming election, while over 5.5 million voters have already registered both in person and through the digital “Merchaye” application. The Board also reported that 47 political parties have fielded 10,934 candidates for the election. In addition, 55 local observer groups have deployed more than 60,277 observers and agents, while nearly 170 civil society organizations are conducting voter awareness campaigns and election-related training programs. The growing engagement of young people, coupled with broad participation by political parties, observers and civil society organizations, signals increasing public enthusiasm and commitment toward a peaceful and credible electoral process ahead of the June vote.