Addis Ababa, May 23, 2026 — The head of the Ethiopian Institute of People’s Diplomacy, Yassin Ahmed, affirmed that the broad public participation in the seventh general elections reflects that Ethiopia’s democratic path is based on a pure national will rooted in the principles of internal dialogue.
Yassin Ahmed stated in a remark that the significant popular momentum surrounding the electoral process sends a clear message to the international community that Ethiopia’s sovereign decision is fully shielded against any external pressures or dictates.
He added: “The wide mass participation in determining the country’s destiny directs a clear message to the international community that the national political will emerging from within is impervious to any external pressures, and that the Ethiopian people alone hold the decisive voice in shaping their political future.”
He pointed out that the organizational success of the electoral process, the neutrality of oversight, and the breadth of participation enhance Ethiopia’s status as the political capital of the African continent and the seat of the African Union, while also presenting an inspiring and sustainable democratic experience.
He said: “As the political capital and seat of the African Union, Ethiopia represents a living laboratory for the success of the African continent.”
The institute head emphasized that the success of these elections, through good organization, the presence of reliable local and international oversight, and broad popular participation, will send a very important message to the world that Africa is capable of managing its democratic transitions efficiently and maturely.
Regarding the role of the Ethiopian diaspora abroad, Yassin expressed hope that the coming phase will witness constitutional and legal reforms that allow dual-citizenship Ethiopians to participate in voting and contribute effectively to the next eighth general elections, thereby enabling the benefit of their accumulated experiences in established democratic environments.
In concluding his remarks, the institute head issued a strong call to citizens within the country, especially youth who will vote for the first time, to stay away from political apathy and to actively participate in the elections.
He affirmed that their voices represent the true tool for bringing about a qualitative transformation in the path of democratic transition, and for contributing to shaping the future of Ethiopia’s internal affairs, along with its regional and international relations.
