The activities of EURECS II are implemented under the overall objective of promoting transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Ethiopia’s electoral process. Strengthening the role of NEBE as an impartial and effective electoral authority is considered essential for the integrity of the country’s democratic transition in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections and local polls.

In this context, the specific objectives of EURECS II unfold in the following three main areas:

• Empower NEBE to organise and manage all levels of elections, while incorporating key lessons learned from the 2021 electoral cycle. This includes building NEBE’s internal operational, managerial, and coordination capacities across its headquarters and regional offices to ensure inclusive, secure, and credible elections.
• Strengthen domestic election observation, particularly during critical phases of the electoral cycle such as voter and candidate registration, as well as mid-cycle events including local elections and referenda. A special focus is placed on reinforcing the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE) to conduct citizen observation across the country.
• Enhance the participation of vulnerable and underrepresented groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, women candidates, youth, the illiterate, and first-time voters. Targeted civic and voter education activities have the goal of reducing barriers to participation and ensure a more inclusive electoral process.