Ethiopia’s people affirmed their victory for unity and sovereignty in the 7th general election.
The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association observed the voting process at 136 polling stations across nine regions and Dire Dawa with 60 volunteer observers. It confirmed that the process was peaceful and transparent, with no systematic violations and priority given to pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and people with disabilities. The Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force, led by Commissioner General Demelash GebreMikael, stated it foiled coordinated plots by internal and external enemies to disrupt the election. It said institutional reforms enabled security forces to ensure the vote concluded peacefully and that the people chose a government through ballots rather than bullets. Secretary of the Oromia Region Political Parties Joint Council, Ato Tariku Denberu, said the election was peaceful, democratic and inclusive. He noted that people across the region queued patiently from morning until midnight to cast their votes.