NEBE Awarded 21st International Electoral Award
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) was awarded the Electoral Ergonomic Award at the prestigious 21st International Electoral Awards and Symposium, a landmark gathering of global electoral leaders dedicated to advancing democratic excellence and sharing best practices. This event was hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Botswana in partnership with the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS). This accolade recognizes NEBE's unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible, inclusive, efficient, free, fair, and credible elections in the current year, celebrating the tireless efforts of the NEBE’s staff in upholding democratic principles and enhancing the voter experience.
At this symposium, which took place in Botswana from October 2-3, 2025, Botswana's historic milestone in electoral history was spotlighted. This milestone marked the nation’s first peaceful transfer of power between political parties since independence in 1966, achieved in last year’s election with an extraordinary voter turnout exceeding 80% of Botswana’s population of fewer than two million citizens.
The NEBE was represented by Chairperson Mrs. Melatwork Hailu, Board Member Mr. Teklit Yimesle, and other NEBE delegates, who played a pivotal role. Mrs. Melatwork delivered a compelling contribution to the panel discussion titled "Access to Influence: Making Elections Truly Inclusive," sparking vibrant engagement with global attendees.
South Africa, Namibia, Georgia, Sierra Leone, Buenos Aires, the United States, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, India, Mexico, Uttarakhand, and Peru were among the countries represented by their distinguished Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). High-ranking officials, election material suppliers, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and media representatives from across the globe enriched the symposium, fostering collaboration and pioneering advancements in electoral processes to strengthen democratic frameworks worldwide.
