PM Abiy Calls Upcoming Elections a Defining Moment for Democratic Institutions

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on citizens to actively participate in the country’s upcoming national elections, describing the process as a defining moment for Ethiopia’s democratic institutions.

In his Eid al-Adha message, the Prime Minister emphasized that elections are a central pillar of democratic governance and an essential mechanism for strengthening state institutions through broad public participation.

He noted that the strength and credibility of Ethiopia’s democratic system depend on the level of citizen engagement in the electoral process, underscoring the importance of inclusive participation in shaping the country’s political direction.

The Prime Minister further stated that the upcoming elections provide a critical opportunity to reinforce the country’s democratic framework and ensure that diverse voices are represented within the legislative system.

He called on citizens to translate their civic responsibility into action by actively participating in the electoral process, stressing that engagement in elections is both a democratic right and a national responsibility.