Ahead of Tomorrow’s Election, Ethiopians Express Readiness to Exercise Their Constitutional Right to Vote

Addis Ababa, May 31, 2026 (FMC) — Citizens across Ethiopia’s regional states, as well as in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa cities, have expressed readiness to participate in the 7th General Election scheduled for tomorrow, June 1, 2026, saying they will cast their votes for political parties and candidates they believe will advance national development and represent their communities effectively.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has confirmed that more than 54 million voters have registered for the 7th General Election, marking one of the highest levels of electoral participation in the country’s history.

In interviews conducted across different parts of the country, voters consistently stated that they are preparing to exercise their constitutional right to vote, highlighting civic responsibility and confidence in the electoral process.

Residents in Addis Ababa said they are ready to take part in the election, noting that they will choose political parties and candidates they believe can serve the public interest and contribute to national development over the coming years.

In multiple cities and towns of Oromia Regional State, citizens said they are prepared to vote for political parties and candidates they believe reflect their aspirations and can contribute to development at both local and national levels.

In Amhara Regional State, including areas such as Dessie, Bahir Dar, Gonder, Woldiya, Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, Endjibara, and Kobo, voters emphasized that they will use their voter cards to select political parties and candidates they believe can address community needs and support development initiatives.

Across the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, including Tepi, Bonga, and Bachuma, citizens described themselves as ready to vote, stressing that their participation reflects both civic duty and a commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s democratic process.

Across all locations, a consistent message emerged: citizens expressed readiness and determination to vote for political parties and candidates they believe can advance national development and serve their communities.

The widespread sentiment reflects growing public engagement ahead of the 7th General Election, as voters across the country prepare to take part in the democratic process.

NEBE has also indicated that digital systems are being used to support the administration of the election, including voter registration, electoral management, and coordination processes aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy. The Mirchaye (ምርጫዬ) digital application has been introduced as part of these efforts, allowing citizens to access voter registration services, polling station information, and election-related updates ahead of the vote.

Domestic and continental election observation missions are participating in the electoral process, including the African Union Election Observation Mission, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mission, and accredited domestic observers. The observation efforts reflect a coordinated framework of African-led electoral assessment across continental, regional, and national levels.

Election materials have been distributed ahead of the vote, with logistical preparations completed in advance of polling day to ensure smooth conduct of the election across the country.