Addis Ababa, June 4, 2026 The African Union and IGAD election observation missions for the 2026 Ethiopian elections praised this significant achievement in the country’s march toward democratic and electoral development.
The heads of the African Union and IGAD election observation missions for the 2026 Ethiopian elections held a joint press conference yesterday, presenting the preliminary findings of their missions.
In presenting the mission’s preliminary statement, the head of the African Union election observation mission stated that the elections were conducted within a legal and institutional framework that generally supports democratic governance.
According to the head of the African Union election observation mission, the introduction of technology in voter registration, complementing manual registration processes, contributed to an increase in the number of registered voters, particularly among young people accustomed to using this technology.
He added that the final report of the African Union election observation mission on the seventh general elections in Ethiopia will be released 30 days after the announcement of the final results.
The mission head also highlighted Ethiopia’s pioneering role in Africa’s independence, expressing firm hope that Ethiopia will become a country leading Africa toward the next stage of a truly independent democratic continent, guided by its principles of inclusive growth and capable of realizing the vision of African solutions to African problems.
He said Ethiopia has defended Africa’s independence and its right to self-determination. As a result, Ethiopia has become the capital of Africa.
Therefore, a great country like Ethiopia should seize this moment to strengthen and deepen political and social dialogue.
For her part, the head of the IGAD election observation mission stated that the elections represented a landmark in Ethiopia’s democratic and electoral development.
She praised the people of Ethiopia, the government, the National Electoral Board, and all actors in the electoral process for conducting a successful election and a peaceful electoral process.
She added that this landmark in Ethiopia’s democratic and electoral development is clearly reflected in substantial institutional, administrative, and technological reforms.
On behalf of the IGAD election observation mission, she extended sincere congratulations to the government and people of Ethiopia for the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the electoral process.
She reaffirmed that these elections embody a shared national commitment to stability, constitutional governance, and democratic progress.
Accordingly, IGAD reaffirms its commitment to supporting the government and people of Ethiopia in strengthening democracy, good governance, and conducting fair elections.
