NEBE Outlines Voting Day Procedures, Exempts Essential Services Under National Election Directive

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 (FMC) — The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has issued a nationwide directive outlining procedures for voting day in the 7th General Elections, including institutional closures and exemptions for essential services to facilitate the orderly conduct of the electoral process.

The Board said the directive is intended to ensure that all registered voters are able to cast their ballots without obstruction and to support a secure and well-organized voting environment. The measures are issued in accordance with Article 161 of the Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Ethics Proclamation No. 1162/2011, which governs institutional cooperation during national elections.

Accordingly, NEBE stated that all federal and regional government institutions will remain closed on voting day, as citizens are expected to use the day exclusively for casting their ballots.

The directive further instructs that all non-governmental organizations and private institutions operating at federal and regional levels will also suspend operations on the designated voting day.

However, the Board clarified that essential services will continue without interruption. Hospitals, emergency services, hotels, restaurants, and transport services are exempt from the closure directive and will operate as usual.

While transport services will remain functional, NEBE urged citizens to minimize non-essential movements and avoid activities unrelated to voting in order to prioritize participation in the electoral process.

The Board reiterated that the directive is designed to ensure a smooth, accessible, and well-coordinated voting process nationwide.