Digital Systems and Electoral Reforms Strengthen Ethiopia’s Election Administration, AU Notes

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing electoral reforms and the growing role of digital systems in strengthening the country’s election administration.

Presenting its preliminary statement in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, the mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta noted that recent institutional and technological reforms introduced by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) contributed to improvements in the organization and management of the 7th General Election.

The mission observed that voter registration was conducted through a hybrid system combining digital and manual processes, designed to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and the overall management of voter data across the country.

According to the AU mission, the expansion of digital tools supported the modernization of electoral administration and reflected broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity within Ethiopia’s electoral framework.

It further noted that reforms introduced in recent years have aimed to improve key areas of the electoral process, including voter registration, administrative coordination, and the use of technology in managing electoral operations.

The mission highlighted that these developments formed part of wider efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in the conduct of elections.

Stakeholders consulted by the mission acknowledged the improvements in electoral organization, particularly in relation to expanded voter registration systems and enhanced administrative procedures.

The AU also pointed to strengthened civic and voter education efforts carried out in collaboration with civil society organizations, which contributed to increased public awareness of electoral processes.

While noting that voting did not take place in some areas due to security and operational constraints, the mission acknowledged special arrangements made to facilitate participation for internally displaced persons and members of the security services.

The African Union Election Observation Mission described these reforms as part of Ethiopia’s broader trajectory toward strengthening democratic governance and modernizing its electoral institutions.

The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting continued institutional development and electoral improvements in line with continental and international democratic standards.