NEBE launches preparations for Ethiopia’s 7th national elections

Addis Ababa, June 2, 2025 (FMC) – The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially began preparations for the 7th national elections scheduled for 2026, according to a statement by Board Chairperson Ms. Melatwork Hailu.

Speaking at a media briefing in Addis Ababa, Ms. Melatwork announced that NEBE has completed a comprehensive study and formulated a five-year strategic plan aimed at ensuring credible and efficient national elections.

The plan outlines operational improvements and adopts lessons learned from previous electoral processes, she asserted.

As part of its reform agenda, NEBE has submitted a draft proclamation to the House of People’s Representatives that proposes new measures to enhance transparency and prevent electoral fraud. The draft includes provisions for digitizing key aspects of the election process.

The Chairperson also disclosed that preparations are underway to strengthen the identification and oversight of polling stations. To date, approximately 12,000 polling sites have been identified across various regions of the country.

In a bid to improve professional standards during the elections, Ms. Melatwork noted that polling station officers will now undergo online assessments. An operational manual has been developed to clearly define the responsibilities of each election official throughout the process.

NEBE is also working to ensure greater inclusion, the Chairwoman stated.

A study has been conducted to explore mechanisms that would allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) not only to vote but also to stand as candidates in the upcoming elections.

For the first time, the voter and candidate registration system has been enhanced with a new centralized digital platform. The upgraded system enables candidates to register online, moving away from the previous requirement of in-person registration within electoral regions.

The Board emphasized its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and technologically improved national election in 2026.