National Election Board Reports Progress as Majority of Constituencies Declare Results

Addis ababa: Out of the 1,138 targeted constituencies, approximately 825 constituencies have declared their election results, as reported by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). In a media briefing today, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu stated that vote counting is ongoing across various polling stations.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Chairperson Melatwork highlighted that the distance between polling stations and constituencies, coupled with the large number of candidates and polling stations, contributed to delays in transferring results. However, she assured that the process of transferring vote counts to constituencies is progressing well.The NEBE has established multiple platforms to address election-related complaints and has been actively providing timely responses. Melatwork noted that the board has resolved numerous complaints received during the election process in accordance with election laws.Melatwork also acknowledged the contributions of local and international election o bservers, appreciating the constructive recommendations they provided. The election saw over 10,438 candidates from 42 political parties vying for seats in the House of People's Representatives and regional councils, marking a significant exercise in democratic participation in Ethiopia.The African Union and IGAD Election Observation Missions praised the election as a milestone in Ethiopia's democratic evolution. The African Union mission, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, commended the election for being conducted within a framework that supports democratic governance. Meanwhile, the IGAD mission, led by former Ugandan Vice President Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, reported that ballot boxes were correctly sealed, party agents were present, and the election represented significant progress.Following the successful election, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed gratitude to Ethiopian citizens, NEBE officials, security forces, and observer missions for their roles in the democratic process.