AU and IGAD Cleared to Observe Ethiopia’s Seventh General Election

Mintesinot Niggusie

The Ethiopian National Election Board said the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have been formally accredited to observe Ethiopia’s seventh general election, confirming the participation of key international monitoring bodies in the electoral process.

Board Chair Melatwork Hailu said the two organisations had completed an initial assessment and expressed readiness to deploy observation missions following the conclusion of voter registration.

She made the remarks during a press briefing on the finalisation of voter registration, in response to questions on election monitoring arrangements.

The electoral board said the accreditation of AU and IGAD observers adds to a wider monitoring framework that includes domestic participation, with 55 registered civil society organisations also granted permission to observe the election.

According to the board, the local organisations are expected to deploy about 1,429 coordinators and nearly 100,000 observers across the country to monitor polling activities.

Officials said the combined presence of international and domestic observers is intended to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process as Ethiopia prepares for the nationwide vote.