Election Process Fostered Conducive Political Space, Enabling Environment, Say Political Parties

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —Leaders of various political parties stated that the process of the 7th General Election has created a conducive political space and enabling environment.

Leaders of various political parties stated that the process of the 7th General Election has created a conducive political space and enabling environment for them.

Leaders of the parties added that this election process and overall coordinations have paved the way for a peaceful and democratic election.

Recall that pre-election activities for Ethiopia's 7th General Election have been progressing smoothly.

The electoral process that has registered more than 50 million voters and numerous political parties continues to unfold in a peaceful, fair, and democratic manner.

Speaking to ENA, leaders of political parties reiterated that the process has successfully established a favorable political landscape and enabling conditions.

The Secretary of Oromia Regional State Joint Council of Political Parties and Executive Committee Member of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA), Tariku Denberu, stated that the parties are working collaboratively, both within the Joint Council and as individual political parties, to ensure a democratic and peaceful electoral process.

Highlighting that the Joint Council has launched its operations by designing an election plan and forming dedicated committees, Tariku noted that councils have also been established across 21 zones and 213 Woredas of the region, yielding enhanced performance.

He assured that member political parties under the council are making robust preparations, adding that challenges encountered during the process are being swiftly resolved.

The Secretary further explained that the 7th General Election has been addressing and mitigating bottlenecks that were previously viewed as threats, with stakeholders working hand-in-hand to ensure the election is peaceful, credible, and democratic.

"This general election will be a milestone where democratic institution-building practices are enhanced and backward political cultures are dismantled," he stressed.

On his part, the Vice President of Hidasse (Renaissance) Party, Surafel Eshetu, stated that his party has been preparing intensively for this year's election by identifying the strengths and weaknesses observed during the 2021 elections.

He mentioned that his party is doing its part to ensure the election is peaceful and democratic, while simultaneously managing to better promote its election manifesto and political programs.

Surafel emphasized that the 7th General Election has created enabling conditions to conduct street and public square campaigns more effectively, alongside a fair utilization of media airtime.

Executive Committee Member and Oromia Regional Branch Chairperson of Yenetsanet Ena Ekulnet Party (Freedom and Equality Party), Omer Abdurahman, stated that the overall trajectory of this year’s election process is highly encouraging, having unlocked favorable conditions for better political mobility.

"The inclusivity of the political landscape is highly commendable, particularly the manner in which the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) allocated free airtime, enabling us to freely communicate our ideas to the public," he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Welene People’s Democratic Party, Faysel Abdulaziz, pointed out that this year has seen proactive engagements from all stakeholders, starting from the National Election Board, to foster an accommodating environment.

"This year, we are witnessing an electoral process where remarkably positive conditions have been established to ensure a democratic, fair, and transparent competition," he concluded.