AU Mission Hails Smooth Start to Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as Tens of Millions of Voters Cast Ballots
Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — The Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed the smooth start of Ethiopia’s 7th General Election, as tens of millions of voters cast their ballots across the country in a nationwide democratic exercise.
Voting commenced this morning across Ethiopia as citizens headed to polling stations to participate in the 7th General Election, with regional and continental observer missions deployed to monitor the process.
The AUEOM observed opening procedures at a polling station to assess the preparedness of election officials and the conduct of voting.
Speaking during the observation, Kenyatta said the electoral process had begun smoothly and was progressing well.
«“…the process has started, and we will continue to monitor during the course of the day to see the flow, and then be back at the end of the day. So far, we can say that the process has started, it is moving, it is flowing, and we hope it continues like that for the rest of the day.”»
Kenyatta noted that a successful electoral process in Ethiopia would carry significance beyond the country’s borders and resonate across the African continent.
He underscored the importance of elections in strengthening democratic governance, describing voting as a fundamental exercise through which citizens choose their representatives and leaders.
«“Well, you know, voting is the exercise of citizens exercising their democratic rights to choose their representatives and leaders. Democracy is something that we in the African continent would like to entrench so that we have true representation, a feeling of inclusion, and the ability for people to choose the leaders of their choice.”»
The former Kenyan President further noted that while democratic processes can face challenges, every election presents an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and deepen public participation.
Kenyatta also highlighted Ethiopia’s unique role as the diplomatic capital of Africa, stating that a successful electoral process in the country would have implications beyond its borders and serve as an important example for the continent.
Meanwhile, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission, led by Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, also monitored opening procedures at a polling station, assessing the preparedness of election officials and the conduct of the voting process.
Addressing voters and residents, the mission head emphasized Ethiopia’s continental importance and the role of elections in promoting peace and stability.
«“We are very interested in Ethiopia because it is the headquarters of Africa. We want peace here. We want everything to be peaceful so that we can move across Africa comfortably. So, when we see you interested in peace in Ethiopia—because elections are very important for peace—we are very happy. And to see the women already here to vote is very good!”»
Both observer missions welcomed the peaceful atmosphere at the polling station and praised the participation of women voters, describing it as an encouraging sign for the democratic process.
The missions are expected to continue monitoring voting, counting, and tabulation processes throughout Election Day before issuing their preliminary assessments of the election.