NEBE Reports Strong Election-Day Operations as Millions Cast Ballots at 50,188 Polling Stations Nationwide

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says voting is progressing smoothly across much of the country as millions of Ethiopians continue to cast their ballots in the 7th General Election.

Providing a midday update on the electoral process, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said the Board had undertaken extensive preparations over recent months to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

According to the Chairperson, more than 350,000 election personnel have been involved in various election-related activities, while all necessary electoral materials were distributed across the country in accordance with the Board’s schedule.

She noted that ballot papers were printed abroad and subsequently stored in secure facilities before being packaged and transported to polling stations nationwide. The distribution of election materials was completed by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Melatwork stated that 50,188 polling stations opened as scheduled at 6:00 a.m. on Election Day, while voting at 695 polling stations commenced a few minutes later. However, 143 polling stations did not open due to security-related concerns.

To ensure transparency and integrity of the process, election observers have been deployed across the country. According to NEBE, observers are currently monitoring voting at 39,723 polling stations.

The Chairperson also said representatives of political parties, candidates, and independent candidates are present at 41,978 polling stations.

According to information received through the Board’s monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, millions of citizens are casting their votes across the country.

Melatwork added that digital systems are helping to facilitate and expedite the voting process, particularly in areas with high voter turnout.

She reiterated that NEBE completed the nationwide dispatch of election materials in line with its electoral timetable and said the voting process is proceeding smoothly.