Addis ababa: The Ethiopian people have demonstrated their commitment to establishing a stable political and democratic system during the recent 7th General Election, as noted by scholars. The election, held on June 1, 2026, saw over 54 million citizens registered to vote, marking a significant event in the country's democratic journey.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, scholars emphasized that the active public participation in the election is expected to strengthen the democratic system and lay a solid foundation for nation-building. In an exclusive interview, the scholars highlighted that participation in all election phases has imparted a critical lesson that political power can be achieved only through democratic elections.
Daniel Amente, a researcher on Institutional Development and Governance at the Policy Studies Institute, remarked that this year's election was historic, with citizens freely voting for their preferred party. He noted that the election process was distinguished by strong public participation and a large voter turnout.
Tesfaye Jima, a lecturer and researcher in Federalism and Governance at Addis Ababa University, commented that the election demonstrated the democratic culture of resolving differences in ideas, opinions, and policies. He emphasized that strengthening democratic institutions is crucial for the nation's survival and continued development, with stakeholders' support and involvement playing a vital role in fostering the democratic culture.
The scholar also commended the efforts of political party representatives in ensuring a peaceful and democratic election process. He concluded by acknowledging that citizens have shown their commitment to building a stable political and democratic system in Ethiopia through their participation in this year's election.