Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — What was meant to be a day of wedding celebrations turned into both a personal and civic milestone for a newly married couple in Hossana City of the Central Ethiopia Regional State, as bride Brook Gebre and groom Salamu Daniel cast their ballots on their wedding day.
The couple said the coincidence of their wedding day with election day gave them a unique opportunity to take part in the national vote, briefly pausing their celebrations to go to the polling station.
Groom Salamu Daniel said that although they had multiple wedding programs scheduled, they chose to vote, stressing that the election would determine their future and that of the country. He added that they prioritized Ethiopia and voted for what they believed was best for both their country and their lives.
Bride Brook Gebre said participating in the election on such a significant personal day brought them a sense of “double joy,” combining their wedding with civic participation. She added that casting her ballot for the party she believes in allowed her to contribute to shaping the country’s future beyond her personal milestone.
The couple said their decision reflected a shared understanding that civic responsibility remains important regardless of personal occasions, noting that their vote carries meaning for both their future together and the country’s development.
The voting took place at Polling Station 07 in Heto Kebele, Meskid Sefer, Lemo 01 constituency.
Ethiopia’s 7th General Election has now entered its closing hours, with polling stations managing voters who were still in line before the official closing time as the nationwide voting process moves toward completion.