In response to the Government of Ethiopia's request for support tothe national elections, and in coordination with the Electoral Assistance Division of the United Nations Department for Political Affairs, UNDP set up an electoral support project, Supporting Elections for Ethiopia’s Democratic Strengthening (SEEDS), in June 2019.

Project support period: 2013-2027

Strengthening Ethiopia’s Elections for Democratic Sustainability (SEEDS2) is a multi-year electoral assistance initiative supporting Ethiopia’s preparations for the 2026 General Elections. Building on SEEDS I (2019–2022), the project strengthens the institutional capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) to deliver credible, inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections across the full electoral cycle.

Funded through a multi-donor basket arrangement—supported by Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, UNDP, the Government of Ethiopia, and, since 2025, the United Kingdom—SEEDS2 works closely with NEBE to advance reforms, strengthen systems, and promote democratic participation. Its support spans institutional development, civic and voter education, electoral digitalization, inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and strengthening the information environment ahead of the polls.

Project objectives:

The objective of SEEDS2 is to enhance NEBE’s capacity to conduct professional, inclusive, and transparent elections, ensuring that the 2026 General Elections are administered by a trusted, independent electoral body. The project focuses on three interconnected areas:

• Strengthening NEBE’s institutional framework and operational readiness, including strategic planning, training, digital systems, and procurement.
• Fostering broad and inclusive participation, through civic engagement, voter education, and partnerships with civil society to ensure no group is left behind.
• Promoting an enabling electoral environment, through improved legal and policy frameworks, enhanced access to reliable electoral information, and initiatives to counter misinformation and electoral violence.

Through these efforts, SEEDS2 seeks to contribute to Ethiopia’s broader vision of building strong, inclusive democratic institutions and ensuring that the 2026 General Elections strengthen public trust and democratic governance.

Project Contacts:

Lenka Homolkova, Chief Technical Advisor, Supporting Elections for Ethiopia’s Democratic Strengthening, UNDP Ethiopia, Lenka Homolkova@undp.org

Fisseha Mekonnen, Team Leader, Governance and Capacity Development Unit, UNDP Ethiopia, Fisseha.Mekonnen@undp.org