Stakeholders’ Role Vital to Ensure Credible Seventh National Election, Says NEBE

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA)—The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) emphasized that the coordinated and responsible engagement of all stakeholders is pivotal to conduct free, fair and democratic election.

The Board made the statement while convening a stakeholders’ consultation forum in Addis Ababa, bringing together regional administrators, city mayors, political party leaders, security officials and representatives of civil society organizations.

Addressing participants, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said preparations to conduct the seventh national election in a free, fair and impartial manner are well underway.

She noted that key practical activities are being carried out by announcing the election schedule, noting that civil society organizations have obtained permission to provide training to increase voters’ awareness and have already begun their programs.

Civil society organizations have received authorization to provide voter education and awareness training and have already begun implementing their programs, she added.

According to her, the Board is providing the necessary support to political parties to strengthen their participation in the electoral process and the consultation forum also serves as a platform to review progress across regions and to identify existing gaps.

She also emphasized the significance of holding consultations to understand the security situation in each area to ensure a free, fair, impartial and peaceful election, underscoring the role of stakeholders for the successful completion of the election.

The seventh national election is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2026.

In preparation, NEBE has recently launched new digital platforms aimed at modernizing voter and candidate registration for the upcoming general election.