Civil Society Leaders Rally for Inclusive, Peaceful Elections in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, February 25, 2026 – Leaders of civil society organizations across Ethiopia have pledged to support peaceful and inclusive national elections through intensifying voter education and community outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming polls.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, representatives from civic groups said they are working closely with communities to promote participation, strengthen trust in the electoral process, and ensure that marginalized groups are not left behind.

The organizations were recently accredited by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), which has called for broad based engagement as preparations gather pace.

Chayot Gatdet Deng, founder of the Integrated Pastoral Development Organization operating in the Gambella Region, said civic groups are tailoring their outreach to reflect the region’s diversity and unique social dynamics.

"We have different responsibilities to make Ethiopian elections peaceful in the context of the Gambella region," he said, noting that the area is home to multiple communities.

According to him, Gambella is inclusive, home to all Ethiopian people living there, adding, “We're organizing door to door visits to every household, reaching mobile pastoral communities in places like the Nuer Zone who move from one place to another and lack access to services."

He stressed that the effort aims to connect communities with the electoral process and encourage informed participation.

"We'll inform them about casting votes in their own interests peacefully, empowering them to choose their right leaders. This is key to the success of national elections," he stated.

From the Somali Region, Zamzam Abdirahman, deputy head of the SIRAD Institute for Research and Development, said building confidence among historically underrepresented groups remains central to their mission.

 

 

"We are preparing our community to participate equally and trustfully in the election," she said.

She further elaborated that have been focusing on the youth, especially university students, and women, who face some lack of understanding in our environment, which build confidence in their votes, ensuring marginalized groups and females join equally.

The NEBE, on its part, has urged citizens to actively engage in the process as the election date approaches.

Board Member Teklit Yimesel called on eligible voters to secure their registration cards and take ownership of the democratic process.

 

 

"All citizens must go out and collect their voter registration cards. They represent your sovereign power to establish the government that will lead you into the future," he said.