EU Ambassador Says Ethiopia's 7th General Election Marks Significant Democratic Milestone

Addis Ababa, June 19, 2026 (ENA) —European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, has described Ethiopia's 7th General Election as a significant milestone in the country's democratic journey, praising the peaceful participation of millions of voters and the successful conduct of the nationwide polls.

The election, held on June 1, 2026, forms part of Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, broaden political participation, and advance governance reforms.

More than 54 million citizens registered to vote, with around 40 million Ethiopians casting ballots to elect representatives to the House of Peoples' Representatives.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador From-Emmesberger said the election demonstrated the commitment of Ethiopians to choosing their leaders through peaceful democratic processes.

"The fact that around 40 million Ethiopians voted peacefully is a strong demonstration of the will of the people," she said.

The ambassador further  noted that organizing a nationwide election in a country as large and diverse as Ethiopia required extensive administrative, logistical, and institutional preparations.

She commended election officials, political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and security institutions for their contributions to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Having visited several polling stations as a guest of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on election day, From-Emmesberger said she was impressed by the orderly conduct of voters who patiently queued for hours to cast their ballots.

She said the registration of approximately 54 million voters and the high turnout reflected a remarkable level of civic engagement and underscored Ethiopians' commitment to selecting their representatives through democratic means.

According to the ambassador, the successful conduct of the election represents an important step in Ethiopia's democratization process and offers an opportunity to further strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

While emphasizing that elections are a key pillar of democracy, she stressed that democratic development is a continuous process requiring strong institutions, inclusive political participation, respect for the rule of law, and sustained engagement among political actors.

From-Emmesberger also highlighted the importance of maintaining a level political playing field, building trust among stakeholders, encouraging broader civic participation, and strengthening independent institutions capable of supporting democratic governance.

She also underscored the role of civil society organizations and independent media in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.

"A healthy democratic system depends on citizens having access to diverse viewpoints and reliable information," she said.

The ambassador welcomed measures aimed at increasing electoral participation, including the use of digital technologies and efforts to ensure the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs), describing them as important steps toward a more inclusive and accessible electoral system.

She further noted that the successful conduct of the election sends a positive message not only within Ethiopia but across the Horn of Africa.

"The fact that elections were held and millions of citizens showed through peaceful means that they want to elect their representatives is a strong message," she said.

Noting that the Horn of Africa continues to face various challenges and tensions, the ambassador said Ethiopia's election demonstrated the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful and democratic means.

Ambassador From-Emmesberger reaffirmed the European Union's support for Ethiopia's democratic progress, emphasizing that a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Ethiopia is vital both for its own development and for the broader stability and growth of the Horn of Africa region.