Addis Ababa, June 3, 2026 (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission has outlined a comprehensive set of priority reform areas aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s electoral system, framing them as part of the next phase of democratic consolidation following the 7th General Election.
While commending the overall conduct of the June 1 election as largely peaceful, orderly, and increasingly institutionalized, the mission emphasized that sustaining the gains achieved will require continued reforms in inclusivity, institutional capacity, electoral integrity systems, and civic engagement.
The mission noted that despite nationwide participation, elections were not held in certain constituencies in the Amhara and Tigray regions due to security-related constraints, which affected full geographic electoral coverage. IGAD indicated that addressing such gaps remains important for ensuring comprehensive national inclusivity in future electoral cycles.
Women’s participation was identified as another key area requiring continued attention. The mission observed that while progress has been made in promoting inclusive participation frameworks, women remain underrepresented among candidates and in leadership positions within electoral structures and administration.
The electoral dispute resolution framework was also highlighted as an area for further strengthening. IGAD stressed the importance of ensuring that complaints and grievances are managed in a timely, transparent, and accessible manner at all stages of the electoral process, particularly at polling station and administrative levels where issues first emerge.
The mission further pointed to the need for expanded and sustained voter education programs, especially in remote, rural, and historically underserved communities, as a means of deepening civic awareness and strengthening informed participation across all segments of society.
On the institutional and technological front, IGAD underscored the importance of continued investment in digital security, data protection, and system resilience as Ethiopia expands its use of digital and hybrid electoral tools. The mission noted that safeguarding electoral infrastructure is increasingly central to maintaining public trust in modern election systems.
Operational efficiency at polling stations was also identified as an area for continued refinement. IGAD suggested that further strengthening of training for election officials, combined with improved voter flow management and resource allocation, would enhance the effectiveness and consistency of future electoral operations.
The mission emphasized that these priorities should be viewed not as isolated challenges, but as part of a broader, ongoing process of electoral consolidation and institutional maturation, building on the reforms and innovations already introduced in the current electoral cycle.
IGAD reaffirmed that its recommendations are intended to support Ethiopia’s continued efforts to strengthen democratic governance, enhance electoral credibility, and reinforce inclusive political participation across all regions and communities.