Addis Ababa, May 22, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Government Communication Service (GCS) has emphasized that the media has a dual responsibility to uphold truth and promote national interest as the country prepares for its 7th general elections on June 1.
In a statement, the Service said the media is a key pillar of democratic development and is expected to operate with balance, fairness, and impartiality.
It noted that while the Ethiopian Constitution guarantees media freedom, independence should be exercised through commitment to truth, adherence to legal frameworks, and avoidance of bias toward any group.
The statement stressed that the media is not only responsible for accurate reporting but also for reflecting national interests, with elections identified as a core component of Ethiopia’s democratic and governance system.
It further underlined that electoral processes should be covered in accordance with Ethiopian law and the country’s institutional framework.
GCS also noted that more than 52 million citizens have registered to vote in the upcoming election, describing it as a strong sign of public participation in the democratic process. Voters are preparing to choose political parties they believe can lead the country for the next five years.
The Service highlighted the media’s role in providing balanced and sufficient information during the electoral period, including coverage beyond airtime allocated to political parties under National Election Board of Ethiopia procedures. It added that political parties are presenting competing policy proposals, which it described as a normal feature of democratic practice.
However, it warned that election periods are often accompanied by misinformation and attempts to create public confusion, including efforts to distort Ethiopia’s image by internal and external actors.
In this regard, GCS called on media institutions and professionals to intensify efforts to verify information and counter false narratives in order to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.