By: Lalu Etalla
On the eve of Ethiopia’s highly anticipated 7th General Election, President Uhuru Kenyatta, head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), held high-level consultations with the African Diplomatic Corps in Addis Ababa.
The meeting served as a critical platform to exchange views on the current political and security landscape in Ethiopia. Discussions also focused on the state of readiness as the country moves to conduct its national polls on June 1, 2026.
President Kenyatta is leading a robust and diverse team of 73 AU Short-Term Observers (STOs) drawn from 37 African nations. In a landmark move for the African Union, the mission features a 61% female composition, including seasoned election experts, human rights specialists, and prominent civil society leaders. This inclusive delegation underscores the AU’s commitment to gender-balanced democratic oversight.
Addressing the diplomatic corps, the mission reviewed the final preparations undertaken by the Ethiopian government and the National Election Board. With more than 54 million voters registered to cast their ballots, the upcoming election is being hailed as a defining moment for the nation.
For Ethiopians, the 7th General Election is a matter of Ethiopia's national interest and sovereignty. By exercising their democratic rights, the Ethiopian people are expected to demonstrate their sovereignty to the global community.
As the nation enters the final countdown to tomorrow's polls, the government has confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalized.
The AUEOM, under Kenyatta’s leadership, will be deployed across the country to monitor the voting process, ensuring that the principles of transparency and fairness are upheld.
The African Union’s presence in Addis Ababa signals a continent-wide commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s democratic journey and ensuring a peaceful, credible electoral process.
