Ethiopia has completed preparations for its general elections scheduled for June 1, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). More than 50 million voters are registered as political parties wrap up campaign activities across the country…reports Asian Lite News
Ethiopia has finalised preparations for its general elections scheduled for June 1, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has said, as the country enters the final phase ahead of voting.
Briefing the media, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said all necessary arrangements had been completed to ensure a free, peaceful and orderly electoral process, with operational systems now in place across the country.
Data from the electoral board shows that more than 50.5 million voters have registered to participate in the East African nation’s seventh general election, with over 52,000 polling stations established nationwide to facilitate voting.
Special arrangements have also been made to enable participation by internally displaced persons, members of the defence forces and students, ensuring broader access to the electoral process, the board said.
To support voting day operations, all workplaces in the country will be closed on June 1, except for essential service providers, according to NEBE, in an effort to allow citizens to cast their ballots without disruption.
As part of preparations, Ethiopia has also introduced its first digital platform for voter and candidate registration, aimed at modernising election administration. The registration process, which ran from March 7 to April 22, used a hybrid system combining digital and in-person methods.
NEBE said more than 5.5 million voters were registered through the digital platform, while the majority completed the process in person. Women account for 46 per cent of registered voters, while men make up 54 per cent, according to official figures.
Political activity has intensified ahead of polling day, with the ruling Prosperity Party and opposition groups holding final campaign rallies across the country. Campaigning is now entering its closing phase as parties seek to consolidate support.
On Tuesday, the Prosperity Party held large-scale rallies in several regions, including Addis Ababa, attracting tens of thousands of supporters under the slogan “Transforming Ethiopia into a Model Country.”
At the capital’s main rally, senior government officials and party leaders highlighted ongoing infrastructure and urban development projects as evidence of governance achievements. Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie said the administration’s work reflected “results-driven leadership” and pledged continued development efforts if the party remains in power.
According to NEBE, 47 political parties have registered candidates for the elections, with more than 10,900 individuals contesting seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils.
Voters will elect representatives to the lower chamber of parliament as well as regional state councils. Under Ethiopia’s constitutional system, the party or coalition securing a majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives forms the government and selects the prime minister, who holds executive authority.
Briefing diplomats and international observers in Addis Ababa, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu reiterated the country’s commitment to conducting a credible and peaceful election process.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye described the upcoming vote as part of Ethiopia’s ongoing democratic development, noting that previous elections have played a role in shaping the country’s political system.
