Ethiopia Election Board Orders Nationwide Institutional Closure Ahead of Election Day

May 28, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has directed the closure of public institutions across federal and regional levels on Monday, as part of nationwide preparations to facilitate voting day operations.

The directive is intended to ensure that all registered voters are able to access polling stations without restrictions, while supporting an orderly electoral process across the country.

Alongside the public sector closure, the board called on private sector organisations and non-governmental institutions to suspend normal operations for the day, encouraging broad national observance of the voting process.

NEBE, however, clarified that essential services will remain operational. Hospitals, emergency response institutions, hotels, restaurants and transport providers are expected to continue functioning.

The board also stated that public transport will operate as usual, while encouraging citizens to limit movement to essential travel related to voting activities.

The directive comes as Ethiopia prepares for its 7th general election cycle.