The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia announces the completion of preparations for the seventh general election.

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 — The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has officially announced the completion of all necessary preparations for the country’s seventh general election, scheduled to take place on June 1, 2026.

During a press conference, the Board’s Chairperson, Melatwork Hailu, confirmed that the Board had successfully implemented its operational plans and had formally entered the final phase of the electoral process.

She explained that the registration of political party candidates, voter registration, and the establishment of polling stations had all been carried out within the predetermined timeframe.

According to the Chairperson, the coordination and distribution of electoral materials to constituencies across the country had also been completed.

She added that the ballot papers were printed abroad and are currently being distributed to polling stations.

Melatwork affirmed that the Board had handled complaints submitted during the electoral process in an impartial manner, by assigning politically unaffiliated individuals to review them.

To enhance public awareness, the National Electoral Board organized 19 discussion forums in five languages, which were broadcast through various media outlets.

She also noted that political parties received free campaign spaces, including 782.5 hours of radio broadcast, 520 hours of television broadcast, and 576 newspaper columns.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process, the Chairperson stated that accreditation and permits had been granted to over 220,000 representatives of political parties, 64 media institutions, and 1,814 journalists.

She added that licenses were issued to 169 civil society organizations working in voter education, with 114 of those organizations receiving financial support from the Board.

Election observation licenses were also granted to 55 civil society organizations.

With the start of the electoral silence period from May 28, Melatwork called on all political parties to cease their campaign activities during the remaining time.

In her concluding remarks, she urged voters to go to their respective polling stations on June 1, 2026, and cast their votes in exercise of their constitutional rights.