Peaceful Conduct of Ethiopia’s 7th General Election Reflects Political Maturity of Citizens: President Taye

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie said the peaceful conduct of Ethiopia’s Seventh General Election demonstrates the growing political maturity of Ethiopians and their commitment to strengthening democratic governance.

Speaking at a national recognition and appreciation ceremony organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council to celebrate the successful completion of the election process, the President said the responsible participation of citizens reflects a strong commitment to democratic values.

He congratulated all individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful conduct of the election, emphasizing that the achievement ultimately belongs to the Ethiopian people.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, senior government officials, development partners, media representatives, and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

 

President Taye noted that Ethiopia has historically faced challenges in which force often overshadowed dialogue, consultation, and democratic engagement.

He said these shortcomings have prevented the country from fully translating its political and developmental aspirations into reality.

The president stressed that conducting a peaceful election while learning from past shortcomings is essential for building a modern democratic system and cultivating a sustainable democratic culture.

According to the President, meaningful democratic progress requires dialogue, consensus-building, respect for differing views, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law.

The successful and peaceful conduct of the election, he said, demonstrates Ethiopians’ readiness to embrace these democratic principles and advance a shared vision for a more inclusive political future.

He further underscored that the millions of citizens who registered and cast their ballots did so out of a commitment to peace and a determination to shape the country's future through democratic means.

Their participation, he noted, has laid a strong foundation for future generations and strengthened public confidence in Ethiopia’s democratic institutions.

 

President Taye also called on all political parties to respect the electoral outcome with patience and responsibility.

He further urged those elected to office to serve the public with humility, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

The Seventh Ethiopian General Election, held on June 1, 2026, saw more than 54 million registered voters eligible to participate.

A total of 42 political parties contested the polls, with 10,438 candidates running under party banners and 80 candidates competing as independent candidates.

The election has also received positive assessments from international observers.

Observation missions from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development described the vote as a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic and electoral evolution, commending the progress made in strengthening the country’s electoral and democratic institutions.

The peaceful completion of the election is widely regarded as an important step in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to consolidate democracy, expand political participation, and reinforce public confidence in constitutional governance.