Digital Reform, Institutional Capacity and Electoral Innovation Define Ethiopia’s 7th General Election, IGAD Says

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2026 (FMC)  — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission has highlighted major institutional and technological advancements introduced in Ethiopia’s electoral system, describing them as central to the improved efficiency, inclusivity, and modernization of the 7th General Election.

The mission said the June 1 nationwide vote was supported by a series of reforms implemented by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), which significantly enhanced voter registration, polling station management, and overall electoral administration.

According to the assessment, Ethiopia introduced a range of digital and hybrid systems during the current electoral cycle, including a digital voter registration platform, GIS-based mapping of polling stations, and a hybrid registration model combining manual and electronic systems to broaden participation and accessibility.

A key innovation cited by the mission was the locally developed “Merichai” digital voter registration system, which enabled millions of citizens to register using digital platforms linked to national identification systems. IGAD described the system as a notable step toward improving efficiency, accessibility, and modernization in electoral processes.

The mission also noted that more than 5 million voters registered through digital platforms, while the majority of the over 54 million registered voters were enrolled through hybrid mechanisms, reflecting an expanded and diversified registration approach.

In addition, more than 7,000 polling stations were mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, a development the mission said contributed to improved planning, accessibility, and management of election-day operations across the country.

IGAD further highlighted special voting arrangements introduced for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, describing them as important inclusivity measures that expanded electoral access for groups in special circumstances.

The mission also commended NEBE for its large-scale operational preparedness, including the recruitment, training, and deployment of approximately 195,000 election officials and the establishment of around 52,000 polling stations nationwide.

These institutional arrangements, IGAD noted, were complemented by extensive voter education initiatives, stakeholder engagement programs, and political party support mechanisms aimed at improving awareness and participation ahead of election day.

The mission said these combined reforms reflect a gradual but significant transformation in Ethiopia’s electoral management systems, particularly in the areas of digital integration, logistical coordination, and institutional capacity building.

IGAD concluded that these innovations contributed to greater accessibility and administrative efficiency during the election process and represent important foundations for continued modernization of Ethiopia’s electoral system.