NEBE Launches Ballot Lottery to Determine Sequence of Candidates Images and Symbols

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) today, March 23, 2026, launched a ballot lottery to determine the order of candidates’ images and symbols on the ballot paper. Melatwork Hailu, Chairperson of NEBE, delivered opening remarks in the presence of representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and the media.

In her remarks, Melatwork summarized NEBE’s activities since the launch of the election timetable. She explained that the printing of the ballot paper will follow the ballot lottery, which establishes the sequence of candidates’ images and symbols. She urged all political parties to send representatives to the lottery, noting that if a party fails to do so NEBE will proceed with the draw in the presence of other parties and will subsequently notify the absent party of the result.

Following the opening remarks, Aytenew Debebe, NEBE’s legal expert, briefed participants on the directives governing the ballot paper layout, including the sequence of candidates’ images and symbols and related matters. Keneni Ensermu, Head of Regional Branch Offices Coordination for NEBE, then explained the system developed to implement the ballot lottery.

The Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Election Code of Conduct Proclamation No. 1162/2019 states that the Board shall determine, by directive, the ballot paper layout of candidates’ images and symbols, the sequence, and related matters in a manner that is clear to political parties and independent candidates.