The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has released its preliminary report on Ethiopia’s 7th general election, commending the country for significant administrative and technological advancements despite notable security and political challenges. At the invitation of the Ethiopian government and the National Election Board of Ethiopia, a 26-member IGAD delegation monitored the polls held on June 1, 2026. The report highlights the operational resilience of the National Election Board, which successfully managed voting across 501 of the 557 planned constituencies. Despite a complex environment, nearly 52,000 polling stations were activated to facilitate the democratic process.

The IGAD mission specifically praised several modernizations that it believes enhanced the inclusivity and efficiency of the election, including the use of geographic information systems for precise polling station placement, the implementation of a hybrid voter registration system, and specialized frameworks designed to ensure voting rights for internally displaced persons and members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. Furthermore, the report underscores extensive efforts to boost civic awareness, noting that 169 organizations were accredited to conduct voter education, with 114 receiving financial assistance to support their outreach programs.

While the mission acknowledged that some areas faced security and political hurdles, IGAD characterized the election as a significant step toward improving regional democratic standards, emphasizing that the successful operational scale of the event reflects a marked improvement in institutional capacity and transparency.