NEBE Honored with Electoral Ergonomic Award at 21st International Electoral Symposium

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has been awarded the Electoral Ergonomic Award for Outstanding Achievement at the 21st Annual International Electoral Awards and Symposium, held in Gaborone, Botswana, on October 2–3, 2025. The prestigious event was co-hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana and the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS).

NEBE received the award in recognition of its unwavering commitment to democratic principles and its efforts to ensure transparent, fair, and inclusive elections. The honor also reflects the dedication and integrity of NEBE’s staff and leadership as the country prepares for the 7th General Election in 2026.

Chairperson Melatwork also participated in a panel discussion titled “From Access to Influence: Making Elections Truly Inclusive.” In her remarks, she underscored that elections should go beyond outreach and must make a tangible impact on the electorate. She highlighted the essential role of all stakeholders; including election management bodies, government, political parties, the media, electoral officials, and research institutions in fostering inclusive and impactful elections.

The annual symposium brought together electoral leaders, experts, and practitioners from across the globe to celebrate innovations in election management and democratic advancement. Participants included representatives from the United States, South Africa, Namibia, Georgia, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mexico, India, Uttarakhand and Peru.

The event also honored Botswana’s 2024 general election for marking a peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic history. With an impressive 80% voter turnout, the election received widespread international acclaim for its transparency and civic participation.