Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 (FMC) — The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that all preparations have been completed for the conduct of the seventh general election scheduled for June 1, 2026.
NEBE Chairperson Ms. Melatwerk Hailu said the Board has now entered the final phase of election preparations, confirming that all key operational and administrative arrangements have been finalized to ensure the smooth conduct of the national poll.
She noted that the electoral silence period will begin on May 28, 2026, and urged political parties to conclude their campaign activities within the remaining timeframe in accordance with electoral regulations.
Briefing the media on the overall state of readiness, Ms. Melatwerk stated that NEBE has completed the registration of political parties and candidates, as well as the voter registration process, including special polling stations, within the scheduled timeline.
She further explained that the distribution of election materials to constituencies across the country has been completed, emphasizing that extensive logistical preparations were undertaken to ensure efficient and orderly polling operations.
According to the Chairperson, 19 debate forums conducted in five languages have been broadcast across various media outlets to enhance voter awareness and engagement. In addition, a total of 782.5 hours of free airtime have been allocated to political parties, comprising 520 hours of television broadcast and 576 newspaper columns.
Ms. Melatwerk also revealed that 64 media institutions and 1,814 journalists have been accredited to cover the electoral process.
She added that NEBE has ensured impartial handling of complaints raised during the process, with independent and politically neutral bodies assigned to review grievances.
The Chairperson called on political parties to conclude their campaigning activities before the start of the silence period on May 28. She also urged eligible voters to turn out on June 1, 2026, and exercise their constitutional right at their respective polling stations in line with the scheduled timetable.