ADDIS ABAB – The European Union has described Ethiopia’s 1 June 2026 general election as a major step forward in the country’s democratic development, citing high voter turnout, improved electoral management, and largely peaceful conditions across most regions.
EU Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger said the vote, in which an estimated 40 million Ethiopians participated, reflected “growing public confidence” in democratic institutions and processes.
She praised the orderly conduct of the election, highlighting the use of digital systems for voter registration and results management, as well as efforts to include internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were able to cast their ballots in several areas despite ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Preliminary observations from EU monitoring indicate that most polling stations operated smoothly throughout election day, with security measures contributing to what officials described as a generally calm voting environment. Isolated logistical delays were reported in some locations, though they were not considered significant enough to affect the overall process.
From-Emmesberger said the election outcome sent “a strong signal of stability” not only within Ethiopia but also across the wider Horn of Africa, a region often affected by political instability and armed conflict.
She reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Ethiopia’s democratic reforms, stressing the importance of continued efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, broaden political inclusion, and enhance transparency in future elections.
The EU also encouraged Ethiopian authorities to maintain dialogue with political parties and civil society actors as part of broader efforts to consolidate democratic governance.
Final certified results are expected to be announced by the National Election Board in the coming days.
