NEBE Holds Discussion with Political Parties on Draft Electoral Timetable for the 7th General Election

The National Election Board of Ethiopia is currently carrying out a diverse of pre-election activities to implement the 7th general election in the current year. On October 20, 2025, the Board held a consultative discussion with leaders and representatives of political parties regarding the draft timetable for the 7th general election. The draft timetable encompasses all major pre-election activities until the final result is announced.

The Board Chairperson, Melatwork Hailu, stated in her opening speech that the purpose of the discussion is to incorporate key perspectives from political parties and ensure that relevant concerns are considered in a way that promotes transparency, fairness, and credibility of the election, ultimately reaching a common consensus.

The participants acknowledged the preparatory electoral activities that the Board has already begun to make the upcoming national election more transparent, credible, and all-inclusive than the previous ones. They also have presented their opinions on what the draft electoral timetable should take into account. In addition, the participant expressed their concerns on the current peace and security situation of the country and on the requirement of candidates’ endorsement signature.

In her closing remarks, the Chairperson addressed the concerns raised by the participants. Stating that the Board is mandated and has the responsibility to conduct general election every other five years, she reaffirms that the Board will have consultation meetings on all the concerns the parties expressed, in the presence of relevant stakeholders from government bodies. Furthermore, she urges that the political parties also have a responsibility to encourage voter education and other activities that make a fair and free election a reality.

The launching of additional regional offices, digital registration of polling stations (XY Coordinate), a technology-based voters and candidates registering platform, and recruitment of field trainers are listed amongst the activities NEBE is broadly working on.