A coalition built by its members
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections brings Ethiopian CSOs together to give citizens a credible, independent voice in elections, through civic education, citizen observation, research and peacebuilding.
IdentityVision · Mission · Values
A coalition for credible, peaceful elections
CECOE is a non-profit coalition of Ethiopian civil society organizations, licensed by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (registration no. 4748) and recognized by NEBE as an independent, non-partisan citizen observer.
- Vision: uphold democratic values to create a well-informed, empowered, responsive Ethiopian society.
- Mission: civic and voter education, peacebuilding and dialogue, and election observation through Ethiopian CSOs.
- Six values: neutrality, inclusivity, partnership, transparency, independence and professionalism.
Vision
Uphold democratic values
To create a well-informed, empowered and responsive Ethiopian society.
Mission
Educate, observe, build peace
Engage in voters’ and civic education, peacebuilding and dialogue, and monitor and observe elections through the coordination of Ethiopian CSOs, to promote free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections.
Values
Six values, above all strict neutrality
Neutrality, inclusivity, partnership, transparency, independence and professionalism guide every mission, campaign and partnership.
Our storySince 2019
From 60 founding members to a national coalition
Founded in May 2019 by about 60 Ethiopian CSOs, CECOE has grown one electoral process at a time into Ethiopia’s largest election-focused civil society coalition.
- 2019: founded, and first CSO coalition invited to observe a referendum (Sidama).
- 2020: registered with ACSO; first strategic plan.
- 2021 to 2026: every general election and statehood referendum observed.
May 2019
Founded by about 60 CSOs
After a consultative workshop with NEBE and the civil society regulator, founding members agree to form CECOE under a seven-member interim committee.
2021
Observing the 6th General Election
CECOE’s first nationwide mission, from voter registration to the post-election period, with 3,444 observers.
2023
A five-year strategic plan
Validated by more than 40 members and approved by the General Assembly, the Strategic Plan 2023–2027 sets five goals.
2026
Our largest mission
3,477 election-day observers and 522 long-term observers for the 7th General Election, alongside the I Vote Ethiopia campaign.
GovernanceMembers lead, professionals deliver
How CECOE is governed
Authority flows from the members: the General Assembly elects the Board, the Board guides the Executive Director and Secretariat, and the Secretariat serves members through regional focal organizations.
- General Assembly of all member organizations, the highest decision-making body.
- Seven-member Board, chaired by Sahlesilassie Abebe, and an auditor.
- Secretariat led by Executive Director Abera Hailemariam.
Governance
General Assembly and auditor
All member organizations meet in the General Assembly, which approves the strategic plan and elects the Board; an auditor oversees finances and property.
Board
Seven elected Board members
Leaders of member organizations, chaired by Sahlesilassie Abebe with Worknesh Begi as deputy, set direction and oversee the Secretariat.
Executive Director
Abera Hailemariam
Leads the Secretariat since September 2020, after joining CECOE as Project Coordinator in 2019.
Secretariat
A team of 15 professionals
Programmes, communication and media, and finance and operations teams in Addis Ababa.
MembersCoalition and networks
190+ member organizations across Ethiopia
Our members, from national consortia to grassroots groups, deliver voter education, observation and peacebuilding in their communities, coordinated by 21 regional focal organizations.
- 190+ member civil society organizations.
- 21 regional focal organizations covering every region.
- Member of E-HORN, AfEONet and GNDEM.
Coalition
Member organizations
Civic education, human rights, women’s, youth, disability, development and faith-based organizations working together on elections.
Regions
Regional focal organizations
Member CSOs selected through open calls coordinate CECOE’s work in their regions, from ACSOT in Tigray to the Agro-pastoral Initiative for Development in Somali.
Networks
Connected regionally and globally
CECOE belongs to the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), the African Election Observers Network (AfEONet) and the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM).
StrategyPlan and results
Strategy, results and stories
Our Strategic Plan 2023–2027 sets five goals. We report openly on what we achieve and share the stories of change behind the numbers.
- Five strategic goals and 15 objectives.
- 13+ programmes delivered and 4 active in 2026.
- US$4.1M+ mobilized from partners since 2019.
2023–2027
Strategic Plan
Approved by the General Assembly: five goals for credible, inclusive elections, with the full plan available to download.
Impact
Success stories
How CECOE’s observation, advocacy and voter education have changed practice, told through stories from the field.
Portfolio
Programmes and partners
Supported by the European Union, Ireland, France, the UK, AFD and GIZ, with technical cooperation from NDI and UNDP.
Become a member or partner with CECOE
Ethiopian CSOs working on elections, democracy and peace can join the coalition. Partners can talk to us about joint projects, observation, research or support to members.