37.4 Millions people eligible to cast ballots, 9,175 candidates competing
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday convened a meeting of the National Election Security Strategic Command, a day ahead of the 6th general elections.
As many as 9,175 candidates have been fielded by 47 political parties, while 125 join in the contest independently in the polls to be conducted at more than 45,000 polling stations across the country.
But voters in 78 of 547 constituencies in the country will have to wait until Sept. 6 due to logistical, security and administrative hurdles.
The meeting appraised final preparedness in ensuring that the expected 37.4 million voters turn out to cast their ballots under a climate of peace, according to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency.
The security preparedness includes physical force deployments to all corners of the country, as well as cybersecurity enhancements to thwart assessed threats, it quoted the office of the prime minister as saying.
“I encourage all citizens to be vigilant of their surroundings as they go out to cast their vote tomorrow and also be assured that the Government has made adequate investments and preparations for a peaceful and democratic Election Day,” said Premier Abiy in a Facebook post.
