Ethiopia's National Election Board (NEBE) has confirmed that all preparations are in place for the country's seventh general election, scheduled for 1 June 2025. NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu told reporters that the board has entered its final operational phase to ensure a free and peaceful vote across the East African nation.

Scale of the Election

More than 50.5 million voters have registered to participate, with over 52,000 polling stations established nationwide. Women account for 46 per cent of registered voters, while men make up the remaining 54 per cent.

A total of 47 political parties have fielded candidates, with more than 10,900 individuals contesting seats in the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives (HoPR) and various regional councils. Under the Ethiopian constitution, the party or coalition winning a majority in the HoPR forms the government and appoints the prime minister.

New Digital Infrastructure

For the first time in the country's electoral history, NEBE introduced a digital registration platform to modernise voter and candidate enrolment. Voter registration ran from 7 March to 22 April through a hybrid system combining digital and in-person methods. More than 5.5 million voters registered via the digital platform, while the majority opted for in-person registration.

Special arrangements have also been made for internally displaced persons, members of the defence forces, and students to ensure their inclusion in the electoral process.

Election Day Logistics

All workplaces across Ethiopia will be closed on 1 June, with the exception of essential service providers, to allow voters unimpeded access to polling stations, Hailu confirmed.

Ahead of voting day, the board briefed diplomats and representatives of international organisations based in Addis Ababa on election preparations. Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye told the briefing that this election is a continuation of a series of national polls that have played a crucial role in strengthening the country's democratic system.

Campaign Trail: Ruling Party's Final Push

As polling day approaches, both the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) and opposition parties have been concluding their nationwide campaign rallies. On Tuesday, the PP held large-scale events across the country, including in the capital, drawing tens of thousands of supporters under its campaign motto, 'Transforming Ethiopia into a Model Country.'

Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie addressed the party's main closing rally in the capital, attended by senior government officials, party leaders, candidates, and thousands of supporters. She defended the ruling party's record, citing major infrastructure projects and urban transformation initiatives as evidence of what she described as 'results-driven leadership,' and pledged to intensify the development agenda if re-elected.

What Happens Next

With polls opening on 1 June 2025, the results will determine the composition of the HoPR and regional state councils, and by extension, who leads the federal government. International observers and diplomats are already engaged, signalling global attention on the credibility of the process.