Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) has reported high levels of compliance and orderly conduct in Ethiopia’s 7th General Election voting process, saying procedures have largely aligned with established electoral frameworks.
Millions of Ethiopians cast their ballots across the country after polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, participating in the nationwide election process.
Long queues of voters were observed at multiple polling stations as citizens exercised their democratic right to choose their representatives.
Presenting the coalition’s midday election observation report, CECOE Board Chairperson Sahlesilassie Abebe said the voting process had largely proceeded in line with established electoral frameworks.
According to the report, CECOE deployed a total of 3,149 observers nationwide, comprising 2,258 stationary observers and 891 mobile observers.
Findings were drawn from 2,258 polling stations assessed against ten key electoral indicators.
Sahlesilassie said 99 percent of observers reported being able to carry out their duties freely, while 97 percent of election officials arrived at polling stations on time.
He further noted that election materials were fully available at all polling stations and that 97 percent were established in appropriate locations in line with electoral guidelines.
Regarding polling station environments, 96 percent were found to meet required distance regulations concerning political party campaign materials, signs, and activities.
The report also indicated that 99 percent of polling stations were confirmed to be empty before ballot boxes were sealed and voting commenced.
In addition, 96 percent of polling stations were assessed to provide a conducive environment for female voters.
Despite the generally positive assessment, CECOE noted that observers identified a number of challenges during the first half of the voting process.
The coalition said details of these observations will be included in subsequent reports as election monitoring continues throughout the day.