Goffa Zone, South Ethiopia Region – On March 12 and 13, the Center for Empowerment Ethiopia Association (CEE), in partnership with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted comprehensive voter education sessions across Goffa Zone in the South Ethiopia Region. The two-day initiative aimed to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence needed to participate actively and peacefully in the 7th Ethiopian national election.

Building on the community dialogue held on March 11, which focused on broader electoral awareness, the March 12–13 sessions provided in-depth, practical instruction on the mechanics of voting and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the electoral process. The voter education initiative targeted diverse community groups, including rural farmers, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and local community leaders, ensuring that no segment of the population was left behind.

CEE facilitators led interactive sessions that covered the entire voting process, from pre-election preparations to post-vote procedures. Participants were guided through the steps of verifying their voter registration status, locating their designated polling stations, and understanding the layout of the polling center, including the roles of election officials and party agents. A key focus was placed on the actual voting procedure, with facilitators demonstrating how to properly mark a ballot, the importance of secrecy during voting, and the correct way to fold and deposit the ballot into the ballot box. Mock voting exercises were conducted to allow participants to practice the process in a safe, low-pressure environment, building familiarity and reducing anxiety for first-time voters.

NEBE representatives delivered detailed briefings on the legal and institutional framework governing the election. They explained the functions of the various levels of election administration, the procedures for handling complaints and disputes, and the mechanisms in place to ensure the transparency and credibility of the vote count. The representatives also addressed frequently asked questions, including what to do if a voter’s name is missing from the register, how to identify valid polling stations, and the protocols for assisting voters with disabilities or those requiring special accommodations.

CEE representatives highlighted the importance of inclusive and accessible electoral processes as a cornerstone of democratic governance. They noted that the partnership with CEE and NEBE reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s democratic institutions by ensuring that all citizens, particularly those in remote or underserved communities, have the information and resources necessary to exercise their constitutional rights. The representatives emphasized that voter education is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of building civic literacy and trust in democratic systems.

A significant component of the sessions was dedicated to promoting peaceful participation. Facilitators led discussions on the importance of maintaining calm before, during, and after election day, rejecting misinformation, and resolving any concerns through official channels rather than through violence or intimidation. Participants engaged in open conversations about their hopes for the election and their role in fostering a peaceful environment in their communities.

Community members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive direct, hands-on voter education. Many noted that the mock voting exercises were particularly helpful in clarifying the process and alleviating concerns about making mistakes. Women participants highlighted the importance of being informed about their voting rights and encouraged other women in their communities to participate actively. Youth participants expressed enthusiasm for engaging in the democratic process and called for continued civic education initiatives targeting young people.

The voter education initiative in Goffa Zone is part of a broader series of activities supported by UNDP and implemented by CEE in partnership with NEBE, aimed at strengthening democratic culture and enhancing public confidence in electoral institutions across Ethiopia. By bringing practical, accessible voter education to the community level, the partners are helping to ensure that the upcoming elections are not only free and fair but also fully participatory, reflecting the will of an informed and empowered electorate.

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