Ethiopia's National Electoral Board conducted a ballot draw ceremony for the country's 7th general election as voter registration surpassed 18.5 million citizens midway through the registration period.
The ceremony was conducted by NEBE (National Electoral Board of Ethiopia) officials, according to state media reports.
More than 10,900 candidates from political parties have registered to contest the upcoming general election. The voter registration process continues across the country's constituencies.
Ethiopia has welcomed an African Union pre-election mission and pledged full cooperation with international observers. The AU mission is part of standard continental monitoring procedures for member state elections.
The ballot draw ceremony represents a procedural step in Ethiopia's electoral timeline, determining the order in which political parties and candidates will appear on voting materials.
Ethiopia's 7th general election follows the 2021 polls that were postponed in some constituencies due to security concerns and logistical challenges. The current registration figures suggest broader participation compared to previous electoral cycles, though final voter registration numbers will be confirmed when the process concludes.
