AU Election Chief Kenyatta Meets African Diplomats Ahead of Ethiopia’s National Vote

Addis Ababa, May 31, 2026 (FMC) — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), held discussions today with members of the African Diplomatic Corps in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopia stands on the eve of its seventh general election scheduled for June 1, 2026.

The engagement brought together AU election observers and representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), who are in Ethiopia to follow and support the electoral process.

According to mission officials, the discussions covered Ethiopia’s current political and security environment, along with assessments of the country’s readiness ahead of the national vote.

As part of its preparatory activities, the African Union Election Observation Mission has been conducting orientation and briefing sessions for deployed observers. The sessions focus on Ethiopia’s political and legal framework, electoral procedures, and AU standards and principles aimed at promoting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.

The AU has deployed 73 short-term observers drawn from 37 African countries, reflecting continued continental engagement in election observation and support for democratic governance across Africa.

Speaking ahead of the election, Kenyatta emphasized the broader significance of Ethiopia’s vote beyond national borders.

“Ethiopia is home to the continental organization, the African Union. Therefore, elections here are important not only for the country but also for the entire continent,” he said.

Kenyatta is leading the AU’s election observation mission tasked with monitoring Ethiopia’s seventh general election. The mission comprises election experts, diplomats, civil society actors, youth representatives, media professionals, and governance specialists from across the continent.

The presence of continental observers underscores the importance attached to Ethiopia’s electoral process and reflects wider African efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, electoral integrity, and peaceful political participation.

More than 54 million registered voters are expected to take part in the election, marking one of the largest electoral exercises in Ethiopia’s history and a key milestone in its ongoing democratic process.