IGAD Deploys 26 Observers for Ethiopia’s Seventh General Election

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced that it has deployed 26 election observers to various locations across the country to monitor Ethiopia's upcoming seventh general election.

Commander Abebe Muluneh, Director of the Peace and Security Division at IGAD, told ENA that the official observer team has already been deployed on the ground to monitor the electoral process.

The deployed mission comprises 26 skilled electoral experts drawn from both the IGAD Secretariat and its respective member states.

The director noted that the observers operate in strict compliance with the African Union guidelines for election observation missions, collaborating closely with member states' electoral boards, civil society organizations, and youth and women's associations.

Accordingly, these specialized professionals, who include experienced electoral board officials and experts, have been strategically stationed across designated observation areas for the historic vote.

Highlighting IGAD's ongoing commitment to regional democratic processes, Abebe recalled that the bloc has observed elections in Uganda and Djibouti this year alone, and is now actively monitoring Ethiopia's seventh general election.

He further explained that the mission officially commenced its duties after successfully fulfilling the mandatory criteria set by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, completing the formal registration process, and taking the oath of office.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia granted the official accreditation after providing the observers with comprehensive training on the nation’s electoral laws and operational regulations to ensure a smooth and standardized monitoring process.