Ethiopia’s National Electoral Board has announced that the country’s next general election will be held on 1 June 2026. Chairperson Melatwork Hailu told local media that preparations are underway, including organizing branch offices, ensuring polling stations are accessible, and training political parties to effectively communicate their platforms to voters. The announcement comes as Ethiopia continues to recover from the 2020–2022 civil war in Tigray, which left at least 600,000 dead and displaced roughly 1 million people. The country also faces ongoing security challenges in the Oromia and Amhara regions, where armed clashes and ethnic violence persist.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed parliament on 28 October, stating the government has the capacity and commitment to conduct the elections and promising they would be the “best organized” in Ethiopia’s history. Observers note that ensuring voter access and security in conflict-affected areas remains a significant challenge for authorities. This election will determine the composition of the federal parliament, regional assemblies, and local councils, marking a critical step in Ethiopia’s ongoing political stabilization.
