CECOE Says Voting Procedures Conducted in Line with Electoral Frameworks

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | June 1, 2026 _ The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) has reported that voting procedures in Ethiopia's 7th General Election have been conducted in accordance with the country's electoral laws and regulations.

Millions of Ethiopians began casting their ballots across the country early Monday morning as polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. for the nationwide election.

Long queues of voters were observed at many polling centers as citizens exercised their democratic right to choose their representatives.

Presenting the coalition's midday election observation report, CECOE Board Chairperson Sahlesilassie Abebe said the voting process had largely proceeded in line with established electoral frameworks.

According to the chairperson, CECOE deployed a total of 3,149 observers nationwide, comprising 2,258 stationary observers and 891 mobile observers.

The coalition's findings were based on observations gathered from 2,258 polling stations assessed against ten key electoral indicators.

Sahlesilassie stated that 99 percent of CECOE observers reported being able to carry out their duties freely, while 97 percent of election officials arrived at polling stations on time.

He further noted that election materials were fully available in all polling stations and that 97 percent of polling centers were established in appropriate locations in accordance with electoral guidelines.

Regarding compliance with regulations governing polling station environments, he said that 96 percent of polling stations met the required distance criteria concerning political party campaign materials, signs, and campaign activities.

The report also indicated that 99 percent of polling stations were confirmed to be empty before ballot boxes were sealed and voting commenced.

In addition, 96 percent of polling stations were found to provide a conducive environment for female voters.

Despite the generally positive assessment, the chairperson noted that observers had identified a number of challenges during the first half of the voting process.

Details of these observations will be included in the coalition's subsequent reports as election monitoring continues throughout the day.