Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 (FMC) — Diplomats and representatives of international organizations based in Addis Ababa were briefed today on preparations for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election, scheduled to take place on June 1, 2026.
The briefing was delivered by the Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, Melatwork Hailu, and focused on the overall readiness of the electoral process.
According to the briefing, preparations have been carried out in areas including voter registration, women and youth participation, security arrangements, and the deployment of technology to support the conduct of the election. Efforts undertaken in collaboration with relevant institutions to ensure a transparent, free, and credible electoral process were also highlighted.
Opening the session, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye said the 7th General Election marks the continuation of successive national elections conducted in Ethiopia, noting that the process has contributed to strengthening the country’s democratic system.
Chairperson Melatwork stated that more than 50 million voters have been registered nationwide and that 52,029 polling stations have been established across the country. She noted that special polling stations have also been arranged for internally displaced persons, members of the defense forces, and students.
She further indicated that ballot materials have already been distributed to all polling stations, adding that the Board has been working closely with various stakeholders to ensure the election is peaceful, inclusive, and free.
Participants in the discussion said the briefing provided them with a broader understanding of the preparations being undertaken for the peaceful and inclusive conduct of the upcoming election.