NEBE Commences Nationwide Voter Registration for Ethiopia’s Seventh General Election

Addis Ababa, March 7, 2026 (FMC) – National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has formally launched voter registration across the country for Ethiopia’s forthcoming seventh general election, marking a key milestone in the nation’s electoral timetable.

During a press briefing, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu announced that all logistical and administrative arrangements have been completed, enabling voter registration to commence as scheduled on February 28, 2026.

The registration exercise will continue for one month and will be carried out through both digital and manual systems.

According to the Board, a total of 47 political parties have thus far registered 10,934 candidates to participate in the election.

Among these, 2,198 candidates are competing for seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while 8,736 candidates are contesting positions in various Regional Councils.

In addition, 73 independent candidates have entered the race, comprising 69 men and four women.

As Ethiopia prepares for its seventh general election, the country finds itself at a significant political juncture that reflects the continuing evolution of its democratic process.

The forthcoming vote is viewed as more than a routine constitutional undertaking; it is widely considered a major milestone in efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance and enhancing public confidence in political institutions.

Scheduled for June 1, 2026, the election comes at a time when expectations for credible and transparent democratic practices are steadily increasing.

With electoral institutions expanding their independence and operational capacity, the vote is anticipated to serve as an important indicator of Ethiopia’s democratic progress and the resilience of its governance structures.

Political leaders, analysts, and electoral authorities have noted that this election carries particular importance as it is being conducted within a more strengthened institutional framework compared to earlier electoral cycles.

The government has also repeatedly reiterated its commitment to ensuring conditions conducive to free, fair, and credible elections.

Meanwhile, political parties have intensified their activities, engaging in debates and presenting their manifestos to voters as the campaign period gathers momentum.

A crucial stage in the electoral process is the ongoing voter registration taking place at polling stations throughout the country.

Field observations conducted by Ethiopian News Agency in the Addis Ketema and Gullele sub-cities of Addis Ababa indicate that essential voter registration materials have already been distributed to electoral wards and polling stations.

The agency also reported that a growing number of citizens have begun registering.

Citizens can complete their registration digitally by downloading the “Mirchaye” (My Election) application from the Play Store or App Store.

For in-person registration, the Board has supplied tablets to election officials at polling stations to facilitate the process.

Digital registration will be prioritized in areas with 3G or higher internet coverage, a system being implemented in coordination with Ethio Telecom.

Regarding candidate statistics, the Chairperson stated that of the 10,934 total candidates, 2,198 are running for seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while 8,736 candidates are competing for positions in Regional Councils. The lists of candidates will be publicly displayed at their respective polling stations.

In addition, 73 independent candidates have registered to participate in the election, including 69 men and four women.

As part of preparations ahead of the election, the Board has also unveiled the official symbols of competing political parties and confirmed that all parties have signed the Candidates’ Code of Ethics and Conduct, aimed at promoting responsible campaigning and safeguarding electoral integrity throughout the election period.