Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Millions of Ethiopians turned out across the country on Monday to participate in the nation’s 7th General Election, with long queues forming before dawn as voters gathered to help shape the country’s political future for the next five years.
According to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), more than 54 million citizens registered to vote at over 52,000 polling stations nationwide, making it the largest voter registration exercise in the country’s history. Women account for approximately 46 percent of registered voters.
Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. local time, and reports from across the country indicated strong voter turnout as Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds exercised their constitutional right to vote.
The election features 42 political parties and more than 10,400 candidates contesting federal and regional positions. It also marks a significant technological milestone with the introduction of the “Mirichaye” digital voter and candidate registration platform, a first for Ethiopia’s electoral process.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Praises Public Participation
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is contesting a seat in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, cast his ballot at the Beshasha polling station in the Goma 2 electoral district of Jimma Zone.
Speaking to journalists after voting, the prime minister described the large turnout as a demonstration of the Ethiopian people’s determination to chart their own democratic path.
“This is an action through which the Ethiopian people have shown that they do not need a counselor or a disciplinarian to decide what they want and desire in order to build a state and a democratic system in Ethiopia,” Abiy said.
He added that the peaceful participation of citizens had countered efforts by what he termed “historical enemies of Ethiopia” who sought to undermine the electoral process.
President Taye Calls Election a Reflection of Ethiopian Identity
President Taye Atske Selassie voted at the Arada Constituency Youth Center polling station in Addis Ababa.
“I have voted for my country, my family, and for myself as an individual,” the president said.
He emphasized that the election reflected Ethiopia’s own democratic traditions while incorporating internationally recognized electoral standards.
“The election is being held in our own way, in our own form, and through our own understanding as Ethiopians, embodying both international standards and Ethiopian characteristics.”
Mayor Adanech and Federation Speaker Join Voters
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie cast her vote at a polling station in Nifas Silk-Lafto Woreda 8, praising citizens for their enthusiastic participation.
She said the election would influence the future political, economic and social development of both the capital and the nation and expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s growing democratic culture could serve as an example for other countries.
Meanwhile, House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Teshager voted in Gondar town’s Piassa Kebele, Election Area One, joining millions of Ethiopians participating in the process.
Opposition Leader Highlights Progress Despite Challenges
Opposition leader Eyob Mesafint of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) party cast his vote at the Bahir Dar University polling station.
While acknowledging difficulties encountered during the electoral period, Mesafint said the process had advanced positively.
“Even though we encountered challenges during the election process, we have managed to resolve them and reach this stage,” he told reporters.
He added that Ezema observers reported voting had begun smoothly across the country at the scheduled opening time.
African Union Observers Monitor Voting Process
The election is also being closely monitored by international observers.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who heads the African Union Election Observer Mission, arrived before polling stations opened to observe preparations at the Peter Pan Pre-Primary School polling station in Addis Ababa’s Kirkos Sub-City.
After observing voting procedures, Kenyatta commended officials for their preparedness and noted that polling had started on schedule.
He later visited another polling station at Peacock Park, where he observed a minor delay but described the overall process as orderly and positive.
Ethiopian Ambassador Highlights Historic Significance
Speaking on the significance of the election, Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu described the vote as a major democratic milestone.
“Ethiopia’s 7th General Election is an important process through which citizens can exercise their constitutional rights and cast their votes for their representatives in government,” Ambassador Etsegenet told Bantu Gazette.
She noted that the election has recorded a historic number of registered voters and has been strengthened by the introduction of technology-based voter and candidate registration systems.
“The registered 54 million is also a sign of the public’s desire, readiness and commitment to deciding its future. This number also indicates people’s resilience,” she said.
Addressing international concerns regarding civic space and political competition, the ambassador argued that Ethiopia’s democratic progress should be viewed within the broader context of the country’s ongoing reforms and development achievements.
She pointed to major national projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), new industrial initiatives and infrastructure developments, as evidence of the country’s transformation. She also maintained that the digital election platforms provide equal opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process and make informed choices.
Televised Debates Help Voters Make Decisions
Ahead of the election, NEBE organized 19 nationally televised political debates, giving voters unprecedented access to competing party platforms and policy proposals.
Voters interviewed at polling stations said the debates played an important role in helping them evaluate candidates.
Zeleke Robi, a resident of Addis Ababa’s Gulele Sub-City who has participated in all six previous elections, said the televised discussions enabled citizens to better understand which leaders were best positioned to guide the country over the next five years.
While praising improvements in voter assistance, Robi suggested that additional polling stations would help reduce lengthy queues experienced in some areas.
Voting Deferred in Some Constituencies
Despite the generally peaceful conduct of the election, voting was postponed in 46 constituencies, primarily in parts of the Tigray and Amhara regions, due to security concerns.
NEBE stated that elections in the affected areas will be rescheduled once security conditions allow, ensuring eligible voters are able to participate.
The vote is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges in some regions. Nevertheless, electoral authorities maintain that the overwhelming majority of the country remains prepared for a peaceful democratic process.
Historic Vote to Shape Ethiopia’s Future
As polling stations close and vote counting begins, Ethiopians await results that will determine the country’s leadership and policy direction through 2031.
The election is widely viewed as one of the most consequential in Ethiopia’s modern history, not only because of the record voter participation but also because of the introduction of new electoral technologies and broader public engagement through televised debates and digital registration systems.
