Ethiopia's National Election Board opened 50,188 polling stations on time today. International observers are monitoring the process, and participants describe it as fair and peaceful.
Board chairwoman Woizero Melatwork Hailu stated that 695 stations opened late and four were closed due to security reasons. Voters have been casting ballots in large numbers since morning, she added.
The IGAD election observer team is visiting polling stations in Addis Ababa. Candidates from various parties in Prime Minister Abiy's constituency said the process is fair. The EZEMA party coordinator for northern Ethiopia described it as completely free and peaceful.
Elderly citizens and persons with disabilities participated for the first time. Ato Solomon Sana from Areka town said he voted for the party he believes will lead the country for the next five years.
