Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission has begun field monitoring activities in Ethiopia as voting got underway in the country’s 7th General Election.
Head of the IGAD Election Observation Mission, Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, visited polling stations in Addis Ababa to observe the opening of polls and assess the conduct of the electoral process.
Her first stop was Shala Park Polling Station No. 1 in Constituency 17, Woreda 3, where she observed opening procedures and the commencement of voting.
The visit marked part of the mission’s wider deployment across Ethiopia to monitor key aspects of the electoral process.
Throughout the day, the IGAD Election Observation Mission said it will continue observing voting procedures, voter participation, accessibility, and the overall electoral environment across different parts of the country.
The mission stated that its engagement is part of its mandate to contribute to credible, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections within the region.