AU, IGAD Observers Hail Ethiopia’s 2026 Election as Democratic Milestone

Addis Ababa — The African Union and IGAD election observation missions have commended Ethiopia’s 2026 general election as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic development. Heads of both missions delivered a joint press briefing on Monday to present their preliminary findings.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who leads the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), stated that the vote was conducted within a legal and institutional framework that broadly supports democratic governance. He described the atmosphere on election day as generally calm, with voting proceeding in an orderly manner across most observed polling stations, allowing citizens to cast their ballots without hindrance.

Kenyatta highlighted the introduction of technology in voter registration as a factor that likely boosted registration numbers, particularly among younger voters. The final AUEOM report on Ethiopia’s seventh general election will be released within 30 days of the official results announcement.

The former Kenyan leader also invoked Ethiopia’s historic role in Africa’s independence struggle, expressing hope that the nation would now lead the continent toward a new era of authentic democratic governance rooted in inclusive growth and African solutions to African challenges.

“Today is a day that the people of Ethiopia should be proud of,” Kenyatta said. “A nation that stood against the wave of colonialism, united and never colonized.” He emphasized Ethiopia’s status as a symbol of African self-governance and the diplomatic capital of the continent.

Kenyatta urged Ethiopia to seize the moment to deepen political and social dialogue.

Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda and head of the IGAD Election Observation Mission, echoed the assessment, calling the election an important milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic and electoral evolution. She commended the Ethiopian people, the government, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), and other electoral stakeholders for conducting a successful and peaceful process.

Wandira-Kazibwe underscored that the election represents notable progress, particularly through major technological and institutional reforms aimed at improving election administration and enhancing the inclusivity and credibility of electoral participation. She extended sincere congratulations on behalf of the IGAD mission for the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the vote.

“The election underscores a shared national commitment to stability, constitutionalism, and democratic progress,” she said, adding that IGAD reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ethiopia in promoting democracy, good governance, and credible elections.

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