Ethiopia Election Board Shuts 22 Polling Stations Over Legal Violations

Mintesinot Niggusie

Ethiopia’s electoral authorities have closed 22 polling stations over legal and procedural violations, as the country moves deeper into preparations for its next general election, with voter registration surpassing 50 million nationwide. The National Election Board of Ethiopia said the stations were shut following compliance checks across multiple regions.

The affected locations are spread across five regional states, including Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Amhara and Harari. Board chair Melatwork Hailu said the decision was taken after findings of legal and administrative breaches at the polling sites, without detailing the specific violations.

The closures form part of broader efforts to enforce electoral procedures during the ongoing pre-election phase. The enforcement action comes as Ethiopia advances preparations for its national vote scheduled for 2026.

Authorities are focused on consolidating voter registration, finalising constituency arrangements and strengthening electoral logistics. The board confirmed that more than 50.5 million citizens have been registered to vote so far, placing the process among the largest electoral mobilisation efforts in the country’s recent history.

Registration has been carried out across thousands of polling centres nationwide, including in remote and pastoral areas. The election process is being conducted amid heightened administrative scrutiny, with officials maintaining that compliance measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the system.

The electoral cycle is also unfolding against a backdrop of political sensitivity in several regions, where logistical constraints and security considerations have previously affected voter access and administrative operations. The National Election Board has said voter registration will not be extended further.

The process is now entering its final phase ahead of preparations for ballot printing and distribution.