The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has issued a stern warning that it may cancel elections in specific constituencies due to coercion in voter registration for the seventh general election. The board highlighted violations of electoral laws, including unauthorized door-to-door campaigns and threats linked to services. It directed authorities to halt such practices immediately.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has observed legal violations during the voter registration for the seventh general election. Reports include unauthorized door-to-door campaigns pressuring citizens to register, often by tying the process to social or administrative services.
Some authorities and employers have threatened salary deductions, job termination, or denial of services for those without a voter card, according to NEBE. In a formal notice to regional governments and the two city administrations, the board ordered an immediate end to such solicitations and coercion.
NEBE stressed that voter registration is a constitutional right, not an obligation, and no entity can compel participation. It will monitor closely, publicly name offending institutions and individuals, and cancel elections in affected polling stations or constituencies if violations persist.
