NEBE Finalizes Preparations for Ethiopia's Seventh General Election

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.