Addis Ababa, May 31, 2026 (FMC) — Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission have held consultations in Addis Ababa ahead of Ethiopia’s seventh general election scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who leads the AU Election Observation Mission, and former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, Head of the IGAD Election Observation Mission, exchanged views on the state of preparedness for the upcoming national vote.
The two mission leaders discussed overall pre-election observations and reviewed coordination mechanisms between their respective teams, with a focus on harmonizing deployment plans and strengthening collaboration in monitoring Ethiopia’s electoral process.
According to statements from both missions, the discussions underscored the importance of coherent and coordinated African-led election observation efforts aimed at ensuring credible, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections.
The heads of mission also reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union and IGAD to accompany Ethiopia in its ongoing democratisation process through structured observation and engagement.
They further discussed arrangements related to the release of preliminary findings, with both missions expected to present their initial assessments in Addis Ababa following the conclusion of the election.
Ethiopia will hold its seventh general election on June 1, with more than 54 million registered voters expected to participate nationwide. The polls are being observed by regional and continental missions as part of broader African-led efforts to support electoral credibility and democratic governance across the continent.