Council Urges for Unified Voter Education to Strengthen Inclusive Electoral Participation

Addis Ababa, March 15, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) has called for broad and inclusive voter education initiatives, emphasizing the need to amplify public voices and ensure meaningful participation in Ethiopia’s electoral processes and national reconciliation efforts.

ECSOC Executive Director Terefe Degeti emphasized that the council is ready to work with civil society organizations to promote fair participation and inclusive engagement through coordinated voter education campaigns.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Terefe explained that member organizations have already contributed recommendations aimed at improving the operational framework for civil society institutions.

“As a council, almost all of our members have previously provided their calls for action and guidance in our operations. We recognize that our contributions play a crucial role in making the prepared directives more conducive for Civil Society Organizations,” he said.

According to him, the initiative has brought together a strong alliance of more than 170 civil society organizations working to enhance civic engagement, regulate public participation, and create a supportive environment ahead of national elections.

“Our unified message is clear, regardless of whether a CSO is registered or if it has specific public activities aimed at fostering a free and democratic election, we urge all organizations to strive towards this common goal both individually and collectively,” Terefe said.

He added that active involvement of civil society organizations is essential to ensuring that elections genuinely reflect the will of the Ethiopian people.

“The involvement of every CSO is vital in creating a fair electoral process that truly reflects the will of the people,” he stated.

Beyond electoral engagement, ECSOC is also encouraging civil society organizations to contribute to broader national priorities, including peace-building, democratic development, and the country’s ongoing National Dialogue process.

“We are pushing and encouraging civil society organizations to play their part in promoting peace, facilitating elections, fostering democracy, and addressing all national issues, including the successful execution of the National Dialogue,” the director stressed.

He noted that civil society groups operate independently from political parties and focus on public benefit, including empowering children, youth, women, and persons with disabilities to help build a more stable and inclusive future.

He further highlighted the significance of the National Dialogue as a pathway to resolving long standing challenges and strengthening unity.

“By actively empowering these organizations to work toward peace, democracy, and freedom, we recognize the importance of the National Dialogue as a pathway to resolving conflicts in Ethiopia,” he said.

“This dialogue serves as an essential platform for addressing grievances and fostering understanding among diverse groups.”

Calling for greater engagement, he urged civil society organizations to represent their communities actively throughout the dialogue process.

“Therefore, we earnestly call upon CSOs to engage actively in this process by representing their respective communities,” he said.

“Through mobilizing the public, they can encourage collective efforts to tackle our shared challenges, advocating for solutions that arise from meaningful consultation and open dialogue. This collaborative spirit is vital for fostering a more inclusive and resilient society.”

The ECSOC leader noted that the growing alliance among civil society organizations demonstrates the sector’s expanding role in supporting democratic participation, peace-building, and national unity in Ethiopia.