On June 14, 2023, the Coalition of Ethiopia Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE) conducted a comprehensive short-term observer training in Hawassa City. CECOE has been one of the key actors in the bid to promote a free, fair, and transparent election in Ethiopia, and the training was part of this ongoing effort to promote democratic values and uphold the sanctity of the election process.
The training spanned a period of one and a half days and was divided into four training groups. The primary objective of this training was to equip observers with the necessary skills and knowledge to observe the referendum re-run in the Wolaita zone that was conducted on 19th June 2023.
CECOE members carefully recruited 189 observers in accordance with NEBE and CECOE requirements. Accredited observers received training in various aspects of the referendum rerun process, such as opening, setup, voter registration, voting, counting, and reporting of irregularities. The training also covered the code of conduct for observers as well as the country’s legal framework governing elections.
The training was a resounding success, with all participants expressing their satisfaction with the training’s quality. It is a significant step towards promoting democratic values and preserving the integrity of the country’s electoral process. The observers, both short-term and long-term, are expected to carry out their duties with diligence and impartiality.
