The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially announced the registration of 10,934 candidates for the upcoming 7th general election. In a press briefing held today, March 6, 2026, Board Chairperson Melatwork Hailu detailed the progress of pre-election activities, noting that the candidates represent 47 political parties and include dozens of independent aspirants. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s electoral roadmap as the nation moves toward the national polls scheduled for later this year.
According to the Board, the candidate registration period was initially intended to last one month. However, following formal requests from various political parties, the NEBE extended the deadline by 15 days, concluding the process on February 24, 2026. Chairperson Melatwork confirmed that the registration remained active until the final day of the extension. Currently, the Board is working to display the provisional lists of registered candidates at respective polling stations across Ethiopia to ensure transparency and allow for public oversight.
The statistical breakdown provided by the NEBE reveals that of the 10,934 candidates, 2,098 are competing for seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while 8,736 are running for regional councils. Gender representation remains a point of focus for the Board, with 2,760 female candidates and 8,174 male candidates successfully registered. Among the 47 participating political organizations, the Board noted that the list includes two coalitions and one front, showcasing a diverse range of political structures participating in the democratic process.
In addition to party-affiliated individuals, the election will feature 73 independent candidates. The gender distribution among these independents is notably skewed, consisting of 63 men and only 4 women. Despite the logistical hurdles of the registration phase, the Board emphasized that it is committed to maintaining a neutral and inclusive environment for all participants. The conclusion of this phase allows the NEBE to shift its full attention toward the next critical step: voter registration across all regions of Ethiopia.
However, the path to the polls is not without significant obstacles. Chairperson Melatwork highlighted that the Board is currently facing various challenges in its effort to begin voter registration. Although originally planned to start earlier in February, the schedule was adjusted, and voter registration is now set to take place from March 7 to April 7, 2026. With only 87 days remaining until the general election on June 1, 2026, the Board is operating under a tight timeframe to ensure all necessary materials are in place.
One of the primary concerns raised during the briefing was the logistical difficulty of transporting election materials to certain regions of Ethiopia. The Chairperson reported that while the Board has successfully moved supplies to regional hubs, some regional administrations have been uncooperative in providing the necessary transport to reach local districts. Furthermore, ongoing security concerns in specific areas have created barriers for the safe delivery of equipment. These security issues remain a top priority for the NEBE as it seeks to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register.
To address these security and logistical bottlenecks, the NEBE has classified certain zones as “yellow” areas, indicating that elections can proceed but require heightened caution and specialized support. The Board previously held discussions with stakeholders regarding safety protocols and announced that a follow-up meeting with political parties is scheduled for next week. As the voter registration phase begins tomorrow, the NEBE continues to call for regional cooperation and improved security conditions to safeguard the integrity of Ethiopia’s 7th general election.