Ethiopia’s Election Board Sets June 1, 2026 as Voting Day

– The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that the country’s 7th general election will be held on June 1, 2026.

In a press release issued Yesterday, NEBE Chairperson Melatework Hailu stated that extensive preparations have been underway in recent months. She highlighted the introduction of a new digital system designed to streamline the registration process for political parties, independent candidates, and voters.

Melatework clarified that the submission of registration documents and the actual registration of candidates are separate processes. According to the schedule, parties were required to submit their registration documents between November 16 and December 2, 2026, while candidate registration will take place from December 10, 2025 to January 9, 2026.

She further noted that recruitment of constituency office executives is ongoing, with 131,000 applicants currently undergoing written and oral examinations. The board will forward the credentials of successful candidates to political parties, acknowledging that parties may raise concerns about the board’s impartiality.

The chairperson also announced that 143 civil society organizations have been licensed to provide voter education ahead of the election.

Addressing the broader electoral environment, Melatework emphasized that creating an enabling atmosphere is a continuous process, not something achieved in a matter of days. She explained that enabling conditions extend beyond security, encompassing the political climate in which parties operate.

On the issue of the TPLF, she reiterated that the party has been dissolved, stressing that “there is no discussion with the TPLF regarding the electoral board.” Responding to a question about the Pretoria Agreement, she remarked, “It is a political issue and should be resolved by politicians.”