Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission has reported no irregularities so far in Ethiopia’s 7th General Election, while commending the country’s progress in electoral administration and use of technology.
Head of the IGAD Election Observation Mission and former Vice President of Uganda, Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, said the mission had not observed any violations of electoral laws or procedures during its observation activities conducted across the country.
“We have not observed any irregularity,” she said, noting that the mission continues to monitor the process as voting concludes across the country.
Dr. Kazibwe said IGAD observers have been deployed across all regions where the election is being held, except the Tigray region, and are closely monitoring developments on the ground.
She noted that consultations held with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth organizations, and other stakeholders indicated significant progress in Ethiopia’s electoral process.
According to Dr. Kazibwe, the progress is reflected in efforts to expand voter participation, strengthen voter education, train election officials, and improve access to polling stations for women, persons with disabilities, older citizens, pregnant women, and other groups requiring special support.
She stressed that inclusive participation is fundamental to a democratic election, adding that all eligible citizens should be able to exercise their right to vote regardless of gender, age, or physical condition.
The IGAD mission head also praised Ethiopia’s application of information technology in election management, describing the country as a leader in the use of modern technology to support electoral processes.
“Ethiopia is on top with respect to using modern technology,” she said, noting that digital tools help speed up information flow and facilitate timely responses to issues that may arise during voting.
Dr. Kazibwe further commended the participation of Ethiopian youth, particularly their role in developing technological solutions and monitoring tools that support the electoral process.
She also pointed to the strong voter turnout observed throughout the day, noting the presence of women, youth, older citizens, and mothers with children at polling stations.
Drawing on her experience observing elections in various African countries, Dr. Kazibwe said Ethiopia continues to register one of the continent’s strongest levels of electoral participation.
She added that the progress witnessed in the country extends beyond the election process itself, citing broader social and economic developments she has observed over time.
“I believe that Ethiopia has really reasserted its position as the capital of the African continent,” she said.
Voting in Ethiopia’s 7th General Election continued into extended hours on Monday after the National Election Board of Ethiopia announced that all voters who were in line by the official closing time would be allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with electoral law.