ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Addis Ababa to lead the African Union Election Observation Mission for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election, describing the vote as a significant milestone not only for Ethiopia but for the entire African continent.
Speaking to journalists upon his arrival in the Ethiopian capital, Kenyatta emphasized the importance of the election and expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s democratic journey.
“Our wish is for Ethiopia to develop its strength and continue being a role model for our continent,” Kenyatta said, adding that the successful conduct of the election would represent a major victory for Africa’s democratic aspirations.
The former Kenyan President noted that Ethiopia’s position as host of the African Union places additional significance on the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
“Because Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union, the integrity of the democratic process taking place here will have a positive impact across the continent,” he said.
Kenyatta is leading a delegation of 73 short-term observers drawn from 37 African countries. The team includes election experts, human rights advocates, civil society representatives, and governance specialists tasked with monitoring the electoral process and assessing its compliance with democratic standards.
The former president highlighted the African Union’s role in promoting democracy and good governance across Africa, while encouraging African nations to develop governance systems that reflect their unique realities and experiences.
“Our real conditions are different. It is not necessary to simply replicate models from other parts of the world. Africa can learn from its own experiences, develop its own best practices, and share successful approaches across the continent,” he stated.
Kenyatta also called on Ethiopian citizens to participate peacefully in the election and exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
“I have great hope that the election will be peaceful and that the people will have the opportunity to freely express their democratic will,” he said. “The foundation being laid today is crucial for Ethiopia’s ability to address future challenges and strengthen its democratic institutions.”
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian National Election Board (NEBE) announced that a total of 54,057,871 voters have registered to participate in the 7th General Election, making it one of the largest electoral exercises in the country’s history.
The board released the figures during a press briefing on the election preparations, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible voting process.
The election is being closely watched by local and international observers, with expectations that the outcome will play a significant role in shaping Ethiopia’s political future and contributing to democratic development across Africa.
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