NEBE Concludes Voter Registration Amid Reports of Irregularities
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — April 24, 2026 | Horn News Hub
The National Election Board of Ethiopia has announced the completion of voter registration nationwide as of April 23, with more than 50.5 million citizens registered to participate in the upcoming elections.
According to the board, women account for over 46 percent of the total registered voters, reflecting a significant level of female participation in the process. The registration period had been extended by two weeks to address technical challenges linked to the rollout of digital systems, which officials said required additional time to stabilize.
Despite the progress, the registration exercise faced criticism and concern from various quarters. Reports emerged from several constituencies alleging coercion and intimidation aimed at inflating registration figures. The board had previously warned that it could annul elections in areas where such violations are verified, signaling a stricter stance on electoral integrity.
The process also highlighted ongoing political and administrative gaps, as voter registration did not take place in Tigray. These regions had initially been considered for inclusion, but logistical and security challenges appear to have hindered implementation.
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity has formally requested an additional one-week extension of the registration period. The group argues that increasing public interest and participation warrant further time to ensure broader inclusion.
The conclusion of registration marks a key milestone in Ethiopia’s electoral calendar, though questions around inclusivity and the credibility of the process remain central to the broader political discourse.
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