NEBE Finalizes Preparations for Nationwide Vote on June 1, 2026

NEBE is finalizing logistics, security assessments, and staff training for the 7th General Election across Ethiopia's 52,720 polling stations.

April 12, 2026

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is in the final stages of preparing for the country's 7th General Election on June 1, 2026, with extensive logistical, security, and staffing arrangements underway across all regions.

NEBE has designated approximately 52,720 polling stations nationwide and is in the process of training and deploying tens of thousands of polling officials to ensure a smooth election day.

Key preparation activities:

Polling station designation: 40,000 – 52,720 stations confirmed across all regions
Staff training: Polling officials and supervisors trained on updated procedures
Security assessment: A security classification system implemented to evaluate election feasibility in each constituency
Materials procurement: Ballot papers, ballot boxes, and other materials in production and distribution
Voter education: Nationwide civic and voter education campaigns ongoing through media and community outreach

NEBE has applied a security classification system to assess the conditions in each constituency, acknowledging that ongoing conflicts and security challenges in parts of Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions may affect the ability to hold elections in all areas simultaneously. Where conditions do not permit polling on June 1, supplementary voting dates will be arranged.

The board has coordinated closely with the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and regional security forces to ensure adequate protection of polling stations, staff, voters, and materials on election day.

International and domestic observer missions have been invited to deploy ahead of election day. NEBE confirmed that observer accreditation applications were open and encouraged civil society organizations and international partners to participate in the observation process.

NEBE called on all political parties, candidates, and the public to commit to a peaceful and lawful campaign and election day, and urged media outlets to report fairly and responsibly on the electoral process.