Addis Ababa, June 1, 2026 (FMC) — Leaders of political parties and independent candidates cast their ballots at polling stations across Ethiopia on Monday as voting continued in the country’s 7th General Election, with political actors urging citizens to participate peacefully and respect the outcome of the democratic process.
Among those voting was Chairman of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice, Eyob Mesafint, who cast his ballot at Polling Station 18 in Kirkos Sub City, Addis Ababa.
Speaking after voting, Eyob expressed confidence in the electoral process and emphasized the importance of broad public participation.
“We will accept the results as long as the process is democratic and concludes in the same manner it started,” he said.
He noted that he had not encountered any major difficulties during the voting process and encouraged all registered voters to use their voter cards and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Chairman of the Freedom and Equality Party, Abdulkadir Adem, also cast his ballot at Polling Station 8 in Constituency 24 of Kolfe Keranio Sub City in Addis Ababa.
Elsewhere, Secretary General of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party, Mistireselassie Tamrat, participated in the election, while President of the Wolaita People’s Liberation Movement, Woldemariam Lisanu, cast his vote at Gale 1 Polling Station in Wolaita Zone.
In the Sidama Regional State, representatives of competing political parties reported that voting was progressing peacefully and smoothly. Party officials from both ruling and opposition camps said the process was generally fair and free from significant challenges.
Among those sharing this assessment were Abraham Marshalo from the Prosperity Party in Sidama; Wondimu Haile from Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice; Shibeshi Mekonnen and Tamrat Assefa from Hibir Ethiopia Democratic Party.
Independent candidate Abraham Tilahun, who is contesting a seat in the House of Peoples’ Representatives from Addis Ababa’s Bole Constituency, also cast his ballot at Lem Shemachoch Polling Station.
As millions of Ethiopians continue to vote across the country, party leaders and candidates have called on eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and cast their ballots for the candidates and parties of their choice.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the will of the electorate and accepting the outcome of the election, underscoring the importance of a peaceful and credible democratic process.