Election Preparations Intensify as NEBE Unveils Party Symbols for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2026 (FMC) – The National Election Board of Ethiopia has disclosed the official symbols of political parties slated to participate in Ethiopia’s seventh general election, scheduled for 1 June 2026.

The announcement was made during a high-level briefing that also featured the formal signing of the electoral Code of Conduct, reinforcing the institutional framework governing candidate participation and campaign ethics. Political party representatives and civil society actors attended the event, highlighting its significance within the national electoral process.

Board Chairperson Melatework Hailu stated that preparations for the elections are advancing across multiple fronts. She noted that most political parties have completed candidate registrations, while logistical arrangements are underway to commence voter registration nationwide.

Capacity-building initiatives remain a core component of the preparation process. Training programs for electoral officials and master trainers are progressing, and specialized instruction has been provided to 169 civil society organizations tasked with voter education. These efforts aim to strengthen public awareness and ensure meaningful civic participation in the democratic process.

To enhance transparency, the Board recently facilitated media tours allowing journalists to inspect the readiness of electoral materials and equipment. According to the Chairperson, the public disclosure of party symbols is designed to empower voters by enabling clear identification of their preferred political representatives on election day.

A formal Code of Conduct has been established to uphold principles of peace, fairness, and professional ethics throughout the electoral cycle. Political parties are expected to endorse the directive through an official signing process intended to reinforce the integrity of the electoral environment.

Concluding the briefing, the Chairperson emphasized that the seventh general election must be conducted in a free, fair, and democratic manner. She called on all stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities diligently, underscoring the shared objective of achieving a peaceful and credible electoral outcome for the nation.