23/06/2026
Discussion Points for Gambella Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Election Branch Office, and Ethiopia Human Rights Team on the 7th General Election
Meeting Topic: Situation Analysis, Needs Assessment, and Host Community Contribution for the 7th General Election in Ethiopia
1. Current Situation
The discussion may focus on the following issues:
The level of voter awareness and civic education in Gambella Region.
Participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority groups in the electoral process.
Election security and peaceful coexistence among communities.
Human rights concerns before, during, and after elections.
Accessibility of polling stations and election information.
Challenges faced by election officials and observers.
Prevention of misinformation, hate speech, and election-related violence.
Coordination between CSOs, election offices, government institutions, and community leaders.
2. Identified Needs
The following needs may be discussed:
Increased voter education and awareness campaigns.
Training for community election observers.
Human rights monitoring during the election period.
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention activities.
Transportation support for remote communities.
Election information materials in local languages.
Inclusion programs for women, youth, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
Strengthened complaint and reporting mechanisms.
Capacity building for local CSOs.
Financial and technical support from partners and donors.
3. Host Community Contribution
The host communities can contribute through:
Promoting peaceful participation and tolerance.
Encouraging citizens to register and vote.
Supporting voter education activities.
Providing venues for community dialogues and awareness meetings.
Assisting vulnerable groups to access polling stations.
Reporting human rights violations and election irregularities.
Cooperating with election officials and observers.
Mobilizing local leaders, elders, women, and youth groups to suppo
