On January 28, 2026, the kick-off meeting of the I VOTE campaign was successfully held at the offices of Zeleman Communication, bringing together key stakeholders involved in the initiative. The meeting marked the official launch of a comprehensive media and civic education campaign aimed at supporting informed and active citizen participation in Ethiopia’s upcoming general elections.
The I VOTE campaign is an independent and non-partisan platform designed to promote civic awareness and voter education across the country. Its core objective is to provide citizens with clear, accurate, and accessible information on electoral processes, civic rights, and responsibilities, empowering voters to make informed decisions and actively engage in democratic processes.
Implemented in collaboration with The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) and Zeleman Communication, the campaign will roll out a high-level multimedia outreach strategy in the months leading up to the general election. The initiative will utilize a wide range of communication channels, including radio, television, and social media platforms, to ensure broad national coverage and reach diverse segments of the population, including rural communities, urban youth, and first-time voters. Special attention will be given to presenting information in an inclusive and accessible manner to maximize public understanding and engagement.
During the kick-off meeting, Zeleman Communication presented the overall campaign concept, implementation plan, and the proposed content of the media spots. Participants reviewed key messages, timelines, and dissemination strategies, ensuring that the campaign aligns with its educational mandate and maintains its independent and unbiased character. Representatives from CECOE, European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), and Zeleman Communication engaged in constructive and forward-looking discussions, contributing valuable insights and recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness and coherence of the campaign.
The I VOTE campaign is implemented within the framework of the ETHIOPIA EURECS II project, led by ECES, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and European Union, which aims to support transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral processes in Ethiopia. EURECS II works closely with national stakeholders to strengthen the overall electoral system, enhance civic participation, and build public trust in electoral institutions ahead of the 2026 elections. Key priorities of the project include supporting the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), reinforcing domestic election observation capacity, and promoting the meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters in the electoral process.
Through initiatives such as the I VOTE campaign, EURECS II seeks to contribute to a more informed electorate and a stronger democratic culture in Ethiopia.
29 January 2026
