The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is working to conduct an election that takes into account the threat of the COVID-19 outbreak

It is to be remembered that the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) failed to hold the 6th general election on August 29, 2020 due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board is currently undertaking various activities in making necessary preparations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 during the election.

Among these measures is the directive developed and approved that regulates prevention and control of the spreading of COVID-19 during the election. The board has also held a series of consultations with political parties and civil society organizations regarding this directive. In addition, other works done are as follows.

1. In accordance with the directives issued by the Board, voter education in light of the COVID-19 transmission and prevention, precautionary measures applicable to all electoral activities and a manual outlining the functions and responsibilities of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia and other stakeholders are included in the voter education program.
2. COVID-19 precautionary measures during candidate registration and voter registration are included in the training manuals for election officials.
3. Purchased COVID-19 personal protective equipment for the election season, including facemasks and hand sanitizers for trainers deployed by the Election Board and for regional constituency offices and polling station officials.
4. Distributed masks and hand sanitizers to the constituency offices and training places for the candidates’ registration.
5. Developed a precautionary and ethical code of conduct to control the spread of COVID- 19 and have candidates sign it.
6. Working to develop a code of conduct and ethics for civil unions working with the Board on voters’ education, observers, and journalists.

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) will continue to intensify its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the election period, in a manner which is in line with the Code of Conduct and the Board's guidelines.