NEBE Chairperson Affirms Voting Underway in Free, Fair, and Democratic Manner

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 —The Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Melatework Hailu, has affirmed that Ethiopia’s 7th General Election is being conducted in a free, fair, and democratic manner, as millions of citizens cast their ballots across the country.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Melatework said the Board had successfully completed all the necessary preparations ahead of the vote, creating the conditions for a transparent, independent, and credible electoral process.

She noted that extensive preparations had been carried out since the launch of the election process to ensure that the poll would be conducted in accordance with democratic principles and established electoral standards.

According to the Chairperson, all pre-election arrangements were finalized on schedule, allowing voting to commence smoothly nationwide at 6:00 a.m. She added that voters began arriving at polling stations from the early hours of the morning, exercising their democratic rights freely and peacefully.

Across Ethiopia, citizens are electing members of nine regional state councils and a new federal parliament.

The vote would play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future political leadership and governance agenda.

Election officials, security personnel, observers, and polling staff have been deployed nationwide to facilitate what is expected to be one of Africa’s largest and most closely watched democratic exercises.

The election has drawn significant attention both at home and abroad, reflecting Ethiopia’s position as one of Africa’s most populous and strategically influential nations.

The scale of the election underscores its significance. More than 54 million registered voters are eligible to participate, choosing from candidates representing 42 political parties.

Over 10,000 candidates are contesting public offices, while approximately 52,000 polling stations have been established across the country to ensure broad voter access.

Beyond determining political representation, the election is widely viewed as a major institutional milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic journey.

Observers note that its outcome is expected to influence the nation’s political landscape, governance priorities, and development trajectory for years to come.

Expressing confidence in the ongoing process, Melatework reiterated NEBE's commitment to ensuring that the election remains transparent, inclusive, peaceful, and reflective of the will of the Ethiopian people.

As voting continues nationwide, the strong turnout witnessed across many polling stations signals robust public engagement in shaping the country's future through the ballot box, ENA learned.