NEBE asks Interim Administration to assess Tigray’s election feasibility

Here’s a summary of the latest development on the issue of whether elections can be held in **Tigray Region** ahead of Ethiopia’s **7th general election** (scheduled for 2026): ### 🗳️ NEBE Requests Security Assessment from Tigray Interim Administration **What happened:** The **National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE)** has officially asked the **Tigray Interim Administration (TIA)** to assess and report on the **feasibility of holding elections in Tigray**. NEBE says it cannot decide whether elections can proceed in the region until it receives this security assessment. ([Addis Standard][1]) **What the assessment involves:** NEBE wants the Interim Administration to categorize constituencies in Tigray into **green, yellow, and red zones** based on their security conditions and other relevant factors. Only after receiving this official assessment will NEBE determine whether elections can be conducted there. ([Addis Standard][1]) **Interim Administration’s response:** The Tigray Interim Administration, led by **Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede**, acknowledged receipt of NEBE’s request and said it will consult with relevant stakeholders including the regional cabinet and federal officials before responding. TIA indicated it will issue a formal answer within the current week, and will clearly state either that elections *can* be held with reasons or that they *cannot* due to prevailing conditions. ([Addis Standard][1]) ### 🧭 Broader Election Context * NEBE is preparing for Ethiopia’s **7th general elections** with a security classification system to assess where voting can safely take place nationwide. ([Addis Standard][2]) * Several key conditions beyond security—like accessibility of polling stations, voter registration arrangements, and an enabling political environment—are considered necessary before elections can be held in any region. ([Addis Standard][1]) ### 🧩 Why This Matters Tigray’s participation in the national elections has been uncertain due to ongoing tensions stemming from the 2020–2022 conflict, displacement of civilians, unresolved disputes, and political disagreements between the federal government and regional actors. The security and logistical feasibility of holding elections there remains a major question in Ethiopia’s electoral planning. ([Addis Standard][1]) --- If you’d like, I can also provide a quick overview of the key **security and political challenges** affecting Tigray’s election prospects. [1]: https://addisstandard.com/election-board-requests-tigray-assessment-on-feasibility-of-elections-interim-administration-pledges-prompt-response/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Election Board requests Tigray assessment on feasibility of elections; Interim Administration pledges prompt response - Addis Standard" [2]: https://addisstandard.com/news-nebe-unveils-security-classification-ahead-of-2026-general-elections/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "News: NEBE unveils security classification ahead of 2026 general elections"