What Kenyans can learn from Ethiopia ahead of the 2027 general elections
By Cynthia Lodite, June 3, 2026As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 General Election, the country finds itself grappling with familiar concerns over electoral integrity, political polarization, youth participation, and the role of institutions in safeguarding democracy.
A report by the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) finds that Ethiopia’s recent electoral and political reforms offer valuable lessons on both the opportunities and challenges of managing democratic transitions in a diverse and politically complex society.
The Mission identified several commendable practices that contributed positively to the conduct of the elections, which Kenya could also take up ahead of the highly anticipated general elections.
Professional conduct of security personnel
The detailed report issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, indicated that security personnel were present at the majority of polling stations observed and generally conducted themselves professionally.
According to AUEOM, their deployment at an appropriate distance from the polling stations contributed to maintaining a secure environment while avoiding undue interference in electoral activities and ensuring that voters were able to cast their ballots free from intimidation.
Procedural compliance of polling officials
Polling officials demonstrated a strong understanding of electoral procedures and generally adhered to established opening and voting processes. Verification and authentication measures were consistently applied, contributing to the integrity and credibility of the process.
The Mission also observed polling officials carrying out their responsibilities diligently under demanding circumstances, particularly following the extension of voting hours, while providing guidance to voters throughout the day.
Civic engagement
The Mission observed a strong sense of civic responsibility and national pride throughout the electoral process. Ethiopian national flags were prominently displayed at polling stations, many of which incorporated local cultural elements.
In several locations, citizens provided refreshments and snacks for voters waiting in queues, contributing to a calm and supportive polling environment.
Responsive electoral administration
In polling stations where ballot boxes reached capacity, electoral officials provided additional ballot boxes, allowing voting to continue without significant disruption.
Presence of Domestic Observers: The participation of domestic observer groups, including women and youth associations, contributed positively to the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Timely Deployment of Electoral Materials: Despite the size of the country and the logistical challenges associated with deploying election materials across diverse and sometimes difficult-to-access locations, the Mission observed that essential election materials were available in all polling stations visited.
This reflects effective planning, coordination and logistical preparedness by the National Elections Board of Ethiopia and other relevant stakeholders.