Voter Registration

This is the period assigned for the registration of eligible voters in the electoral role at the polling stations within the Kebele of the elector's residence. The Board determines the dates of the voter registration period and can fix a new registration period if justified by special circumstances.

Under the electoral laws, persons eligible for registration as a voter must be:

• Ethiopian

• Aged eighteen years or above on the day of registration

• Resident in the constituency for a minimum of six months. (The residency requirement will not
   apply to people who have been outside the constituency for fear of political persecution,
   while waging armed struggle against  the previous regime, or on a duty or study leave.)

Eligible voters must present a valid identity card or passport in order to register. In the absence of an identity card, any document containing a recent photograph, such as a drivers’ license, a residence certificate, a military discharge document or a UN refugee’s card will be sufficient. If the voter has no such documentation, registration can be carried out provided that electoral officials verify the person’s identity.

Disabled and blind people may be accompanied by assistants in order to register.

Each registered voter will be issued with an elector’s card bearing his or her name, place of birth, designated polling station, registration number and signature or thumb mark. This card must be produced on election day in order to vote.

After the registration period has closed, the electoral roll will be placed on public display in polling stations. The purpose of the electoral role is to ensure that an individual will only cast their ballot once at a specific location, thus preventing fraudulent voting. Any eligible voter whose name is not included in the final electoral role will not be able to vote.

The electoral roll will be the sole reference document to adjudicate on any disputes regarding eligibility.
• Voter Registration Procedures
• Guidelines on the establishment of polling stations and the duties of polling station staff

• Total number of voters registered for the 15 May federal and regional elections. Click to find details