On 1st June 2026, on the occasion of Ethiopia’s seventh general elections, the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) actively monitored election-day proceedings alongside the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), contributing to transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the electoral process.
Organized within the EURECS II Ethiopia project, these efforts were made possible through the support of the European Union and the German government through KfW Development Bank.
A key component of the project focuses on strengthening domestic election observation capacities and supporting Ethiopian stakeholders in delivering inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes. Through this approach, the project contributes to reinforcing citizen trust in democratic institutions and enhancing the role of civil society in safeguarding electoral integrity.
To support election-day observation activities, the project provided financial and logistical assistance to the CECOE Situation Room, a central mechanism responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing information from domestic observers deployed across the country. This support enabled the recruitment and deployment of 80 data clerks tasked with managing information received from approximately 4,000 short-term observers stationed throughout Ethiopia.
The Situation Room played a critical role in facilitating the systematic collection and verification of observation data, allowing CECOE to monitor developments in real time and provide evidence-based assessments of the electoral process. By ensuring the timely flow of information from observers in the field, the mechanism contributed to strengthening transparency and accountability throughout election day.
Building on lessons learned from the 2021 electoral cycle, the project continues to support efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of domestic election observation and improving coordination among key electoral stakeholders. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening institutional capacities, promoting constructive engagement between electoral actors, and supporting mechanisms that foster peaceful and democratic electoral processes.
Beyond election observation, the initiative seeks to encourage the participation of women, youth, first-time voters, and other traditionally underrepresented groups in Ethiopia’s democratic life. Through targeted activities and capacity-building efforts, the project contributes to creating more inclusive opportunities for citizens to engage in democratic processes and public decision-making.
The successful operation of the CECOE Situation Room reflects the commitment and professionalism of domestic observers, civil society organizations, electoral authorities, and international partners working together to support democratic governance in Ethiopia.
