The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia holds discussion with the civic associations licensed for voter education

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia concluded its two-day discussion with civil society organizations licensed for voter education on Saturday, February, 6, 2021.Deputy Chairperson Woubshet Ayele made an opening remark on the forum which had two sections. While experts presented different countries’ and international experience, Abera Degefa (PhD), Board Member, presented the basic rules of Voter Education Licensing and Ethics Directive No. 4/2012 in relation to the responsibilities of civic associations. The Board's civic and voter education department members also presented a briefing about a memorandum for civic associations, a teaching method and manual, a code of conduct, and key issues that should be included during the voter education session. The participants also forwarded their comments on the issues and Board Members Wubeshet and Abera responded to their questions.

Introducing the COVID-19 Guidelines and Code of Conduct on Voter Education was also the agenda of the day. Following the briefing by the Board’s COVID-19 coordinator, discussion was held on the issue. The importance of inclusive voter education, the expected results of the training, and the efforts NEBE has been undertaking to make the election inclusive were also presented. Emphasis has been placed on the role of civil society organizations in gender mainstreaming and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disability. In his concluding remark, Board Member, Abera Degefu urged that the education should be in line with the code of conduct and the training manual, and that it should reflect neutrality, taking into account the unique characteristics, age level, and level of education of the affected community, as well as the timetable for education.