As Ethiopia’s 7th general election continues, numerous national leaders and prominent figures have cast their ballots across the country. President Taye Atske-Selassie participated in the voting process today, as did Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, who cast his ballot in Bahir Dar. Highlighting the significance of the event, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the election is a crucial step toward establishing a legitimate government and consolidating democracy; he further noted that the Prosperity Party is committed to respecting the will of the people, asserting that it is the democratic right of every citizen to choose their preferred representative.

A wide range of other officials and public figures have also exercised their right to vote, including National Bank Governor (Dr.) Eyob Tekalign in Nekemte, Oromia Regional State President Shimelis Abdisa in Ginchi, House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Teshager in the Gondar constituency, Afar Regional State President Haji Awol Arba, and president of the Somali Region, Mustafe Mohammed Omer.

Also, the minister of planning and development (Dr.) Fitsum Assefa cast her vote in Hawassa. Additionally, Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa voted at polling station two in the Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city, as did Minister of Education Professor Birhanu Nega. while Tesfahun Alemneh, Chairman of the Amhara Democratic Force Movement (ADFM) and Chairperson of the Joint Council of Political Parties operating in the Amhara Region, cast his vote at the Fasilo 03 polling station in Bahir Dar. Notable figures from the private and political sectors also participated, with businessman and BKG owner Belayneh Kinde casting his vote in Addis Ababa and EZEMA party leader Eyob Mesafint voting in the Kirkos sub-city’s Woreda Nine. Election officials have deployed staff to facilitate the process at thousands of stations nationwide, with voting continuing throughout the day as citizens across Ethiopia exercise their right to vote.