#Ethiopia’s general election important not only for Ethiopia but for the entire continent, says former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta

Addis Ababa, May 29, 2026 (FMC) — Former Kenyan President and Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission to Ethiopia’s 1 June 2026 General Elections, Uhuru Kenyatta, has said Ethiopia’s upcoming election carries importance not only for the country, but for the African continent as a whole.

Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday evening to lead the African Union Election Observation Mission, which has been deployed to observe Ethiopia’s 7th General Election scheduled for Monday.

Speaking to the media upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Kenyatta noted that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, making the electoral process a matter of broader continental interest.

“As you know, Ethiopia is home to our continental organization, the African Union, and therefore the election here is important not just for Ethiopia, but for the entire continent,” he said.

He added that the African Union is present to witness the voting process scheduled for Monday, expressing satisfaction at being in Ethiopia alongside fellow Africans for the electoral exercise.

“We are very happy to be here, to be amongst our brothers and sisters, and to witness the voting that shall take place on Monday,” he said.

Kenyatta called for a peaceful electoral process, urging Ethiopians to exercise their democratic choice responsibly.

“Our call is really for a peaceful situation, as Ethiopians are known for, and for people to wisely make their choice so that Ethiopia can continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said, adding that he hopes the country continues its development trajectory.

He also emphasized the role of the African Union in observing and monitoring elections across the continent, noting that such engagements are aimed at deepening democracy and promoting shared learning among member states.

“The African Union participates and observes and monitors various elections across the continent,” he said, adding that the objective is to strengthen democratic practices and exchange experiences among African countries.

Kenyatta further highlighted the importance of developing African-led approaches to governance and electoral systems, noting that countries can learn from one another to build best practices suited to their own contexts.

“We develop our own best practices,” he said, referring to continental cooperation mechanisms.

He expressed hope that Ethiopia’s election would be peaceful and allow citizens to freely express their democratic will, adding that the process could serve as a foundation for future democratic development in the country.

“I am very hopeful that it will be peaceful, that people will have the opportunity to express their democratic wish,” he said.

The African Union Election Observation Mission, led by Kenyatta, is part of a broader deployment of international and regional observers already in Ethiopia ahead of the vote. The observer teams include representatives from the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), election experts, civil society organisations, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and youth representatives. The election comes amid heightened political activity, with campaign and voter awareness efforts concluding as Ethiopia moves toward its 7th General Election scheduled for Monday.