Addis Ababa, June 2, 2026 (FMC) — The Government Communication Service (GCS) has commended Ethiopian voters, security forces, media institutions, election officials, observers, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the country’s 7th General Election.
In a statement issued following the conclusion of voting, the GCS described the election as an important milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic journey and a significant step toward strengthening constitutional governance through the ballot box.
According to the statement, millions of Ethiopians responded to the call to participate in the electoral process, demonstrating a strong sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the country’s democratic aspirations.
The government noted that more than 54 million citizens had registered to vote ahead of the election and said large numbers of voters turned out across the country to exercise their constitutional rights.
The statement highlighted the determination shown by citizens throughout election day, noting that many voters remained committed to casting their ballots despite long queues and varying weather conditions. It also described the election as a reflection of the public’s resolve to participate in shaping the country’s future through peaceful and democratic means.
The GCS further stated that the successful completion of the election underscored the role of citizens in advancing Ethiopia’s democratic process, while reaffirming the government’s appreciation for the broad public participation witnessed throughout the day.
The government also expressed gratitude to members of the security forces for helping maintain a peaceful environment that enabled citizens to vote freely and safely. Appreciation was also extended to electoral officials, domestic and international observers, media institutions, and all those involved in coordinating, facilitating, and monitoring the electoral process.
Voting in Ethiopia’s 7th General Election began at 6:00 a.m. on June 1 and continued throughout the day at polling stations across the country. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) later extended voting hours until 12:00 a.m. to allow eligible voters who were still in line to cast their ballots.
Throughout election day, domestic and international observers, including the African Union, IGAD, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE), monitored the process. Preliminary assessments released during the day generally pointed to orderly voting procedures, broad public participation, and a largely peaceful electoral environment.
Political party leaders from both ruling and opposition camps also reported that voting was generally conducted peacefully in many areas, while regional and international observer missions noted progress in the management of the electoral process and voter participation.
The election witnessed participation from citizens across diverse circumstances, including elderly voters, persons with disabilities, new mothers, and newlyweds who cast their ballots on their wedding day, highlighting the broad civic engagement that characterized the nationwide vote.
With polling now concluded, attention has shifted to the counting and tabulation process. According to the electoral timetable, official results are expected to begin being announced in the early hours of June 2 as electoral authorities continue compiling and verifying results from across the country.