Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 (FMC) — The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has approved a standard operating procedure aimed at preventing, documenting, and responding to sexual violence against women during election periods.
The newly endorsed document, the first of its kind, establishes a rapid response mechanism and clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders.
During the occasion, 10 institutions, including NEBE, the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Police Commission, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and the Ethiopian Media Authority, signed a declaration of commitment to carry out their respective duties under the framework.
NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said the guideline reflects a strong institutional commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity, equality, and meaningful participation of women in the electoral process.
She emphasized that effectively preventing and addressing sexual violence is critical to enhancing women’s political participation, adding that signatory institutions must operate with strengthened coordination, accountability, and cooperation.