Ethiopia has officially finalized the timeline for its next pivotal democratic exercise. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia confirmed on Tuesday that the country’s next Ethiopia general election will be held on June 1, 2026.
Melatwork Hailu, the board’s chairperson, announced the schedule to local press. She indicated that logistical machinery is already in motion. Specifically, the commission is currently establishing branch offices and preparing polling stations to ensure they are accessible for voters.
Furthermore, Hailu noted that political parties have engaged in training. These sessions aim to help factions communicate their platforms effectively to the electorate.
PM Promises Historic Efficiency
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed supreme confidence in the state’s readiness. Addressing parliament regarding the upcoming Ethiopia general election, he dismissed concerns about logistical failures.
On October 28, the Prime Minister told lawmakers that the administration is fully prepared.
“The government has the capacity and the will necessary to conduct these elections,” Abiy stated.
Moreover, he raised the stakes by pledging that the 2026 event would be the “best organised” vote in the nation’s history.
Voting Under the Shadow of Conflict
Despite the government’s optimism, security remains a formidable variable. The nation is still stabilizing following the brutal two-year war in Tigray.
That conflict, fought between federal troops and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, ended in 2022. However, the toll was catastrophic, with estimates of at least 600,000 deaths and approximately 1 million people displaced.
Additionally, internal volatility persists in other regions. Ongoing violence in Oromia and Amhara poses a significant security challenge for polling officials. Consequently, ensuring safety during the vote will be the administration’s critical test.
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