Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 (FMC) — The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has granted permission to 68 media outlets, both local and international, to cover the 7th general election.
In a statement on the ongoing electoral process, NEBE said preparations for the upcoming national vote are being finalized in line with established legal and administrative procedures governing the election.
According to NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu, political parties were invited to present their programmes and alternative policy ideas during the first political parties’ debate forum organized by the Board as part of broader voter education and democratic engagement efforts.
She noted that the forum provided a platform for competing political parties to communicate their positions to the public, with additional airtime allocated to enable wider dissemination of their messages through media outlets.
NEBE further stated that 169 civil society organizations have been licensed to conduct voter education activities across the country, contributing to efforts aimed at improving public awareness and participation in the electoral process.
In addition, 55 local civil society organizations have been authorized to observe the election, strengthening domestic participation in monitoring electoral procedures alongside institutional oversight mechanisms.
The Board also confirmed that 68 media outlets have been accredited to cover the election, comprising both domestic and international media organizations, including 12 foreign media outlets.
NEBE said the accreditation process is part of its broader commitment to transparency, public access to information, and inclusive coverage of the electoral process as Ethiopia moves toward its 7th general election.