Addis Ababa, May 22, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the peaceful and successful completion of the 7th General Election, following a high-level briefing that assessed nationwide preparations for the remaining stages of the electoral process.
The briefing, organized by the Ethiopian Federal Police headquarters, reviewed preparations undertaken in manpower, weapons, logistics, and technology by the Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), said the task force’s overall readiness remains strong, stressing that coordinated efforts among security and intelligence institutions have been central to safeguarding the electoral process.
He noted that despite attempts by various actors to disrupt the election, such efforts were effectively foiled through joint action by the defense forces and other security and intelligence bodies.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula further underlined the role of the Ethiopian Federal Police in the post-reform period, particularly its strengthened mandate in ensuring public security and contributing to the peaceful conduct of the national election.
For his part, Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael said the Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force is working in close coordination with the National Election Board of Ethiopia in support of the ongoing electoral process.
He noted that key pre-election activities, including voter registration, deployment of election officials, and distribution of election materials, have been fully completed.
Commissioner General Demelash added that the necessary logistics and equipment have been deployed to support the remaining electoral phases, while personnel have been trained and assigned across the country in line with operational requirements.
He further reaffirmed that the task force will continue strengthening security and intelligence coordination to ensure a peaceful election process and the successful completion of both election-day and post-election activities.