Ethiopian voter registration surpasses nine million despite security and logistical hurdles
via The Reporter Ethiopia2 min read
The National Election Board of Ethiopia NEBE reports that over nine million voters have registered in the past week, with 600,000 registering digitally. However, nearly 6,400 polling stations remain inactive due to security concerns and delays in material delivery. NEBE Chair Melatwork Hailu noted challenges such as vehicle and fuel shortages, lack of regional cooperation, and rain damage to materials, including an incident in Dallol where materials were burned. Technical issues with the digital registration system, including network problems and language barriers, have also been reported. The NEBE is engaging with seven regional states on security matters and has dismissed several election officials for unethical conduct, absenteeism, and dual roles as candidates and officials. Incidents of attempted voter card photography and bribery were also reported. The Board has transferred funds to 36 political parties and established an independent media committee for debates. Efforts to begin election preparations in Tigray have been met with unresponsiveness from the regional interim administration. A Federal High Court injunction limiting federal representation elections in five Amhara and Tigray constituencies was recently lifted.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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