Weekly Message

Ethiopia Is Voting!

Congratulations to all of us on reaching the day of Ethiopia’s 7th General Election.

Today, June 1, 2026, citizens across the country have been heading to polling stations since early morning to cast their votes. Polling stations throughout Ethiopia are welcoming voters in a peaceful and festive atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of democracy and freedom.

This historic day demonstrates in practice that the source of political power is the sovereign will of the people. It is a significant moment in which Ethiopia is opening a new chapter of democracy, not only in the Horn of Africa but across the African continent. Today, Ethiopia is voting based on its own realities, its strong national dignity, and the active participation of its people.

Ethiopia’s democratic journey has passed through long and complex historical stages. In previous decades, elections were often constrained by control and limited political competition rather than being fully driven by the free choice of citizens. Having learned from those experiences, Ethiopia is now demonstrating a new democratic culture that safeguards national sovereignty and remains resilient against external pressures.

This new chapter is historic both in scale and significance. More than 54 million voters are registered to participate in this election, compared to 37 million voters in the 2021 election, reflecting the remarkable growth of political participation in the country. Women account for 46 percent of registered voters, highlighting the election’s inclusiveness and fairness. In addition, 42 competing political parties and 10,438 candidates are participating peacefully and freely in the electoral process. The large turnout seen across the country reflects the confidence Ethiopians place in the ballot as a means of shaping their future and determining the destiny of their nation.

Today’s election is important not only for Ethiopia but also as an example for Africa. As a pillar of peace in East Africa and the diplomatic capital of the continent, Ethiopia’s ability to conduct such a major election through its own institutions demonstrates the capacity of African nations to manage their own democratic processes. To observe this historic event and express continental solidarity, observer missions from the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development are actively monitoring the process at polling stations across the country. Their participation highlights Ethiopia’s contribution to strengthening democratic culture in Africa and promoting Pan-African unity.

Every minute, citizens continue to arrive at polling stations to cast ballots that will help shape the country’s peace, stability, and development. While voters are choosing political parties and leaders they believe can best serve the nation through peaceful political competition, the ultimate winner is Ethiopia itself.

As we work toward building a more prosperous Ethiopia, let us cast our votes peacefully, responsibly, and with national pride. It is equally important to wait patiently for the official announcement of results by the relevant authorities and to accept the outcome in a spirit of respect and democratic maturity. Such conduct strengthens the credibility and success of the entire electoral process.

Therefore, we call upon all citizens to continue contributing positively until the completion of the election process and to help elevate Ethiopia’s democratic system to an even higher level.

We wish everyone a peaceful and successful Election Day.

Prosperity Party
June 1, 2026