Addis ababa: Japan has commended Ethiopia for the successful conduct of its 7th General Election, praising the efforts of the country's electoral authorities and the active participation of citizens in the democratic process.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia expressed its congratulations through a statement shared on social media. The Embassy acknowledged the commendable work of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) in organizing and administering the nationwide polls held on June 1, 2026.
The election involved more than 54 million registered voters across the country and featured over 10,000 candidates from various political parties and independent groups competing for seats in federal and regional legislative councils. Japan highlighted NEBE's crucial role in overseeing the electoral process and noted the extensive efforts made to facilitate voting across Ethiopia.
The Embassy's statement also recognized the contributions of all candidates who participated in the election, acknowledging their role in the country's democratic development. Furthermore, it commended Ethiopian citizens for exercising their right to vote, underscoring the importance of public participation in strengthening democratic governance.
Japan's statement reflects its ongoing support for Ethiopia's efforts in democratic institution-building and its commitment to promoting inclusive, peaceful, and credible electoral processes. The two countries maintain longstanding diplomatic relations and collaborate in various sectors, including development, education, infrastructure, health, and governance.
Japan continues to be a key development partner for Ethiopia, supporting its efforts to strengthen institutions and advance sustainable development. Japan's positive remarks add to the growing number of international assessments recognizing Ethiopia's electoral process. Previously, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Missions described the 2026 election as an important milestone in Ethiopia's democratic and electoral evolution. Similarly, the Delegation of the European Union to Ethiopia, alongside the diplomatic missions of EU Member States, acknowledged the 7th General Election as a significant democratic exercise.