Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used his vote in Ethiopia's 7th General Election to deliver a dignified national statement, addressing citizens, leaders, election officials, media professionals, and the wider international community. His remarks presented democracy as a national duty, public trust as a sacred covenant, and Ethiopia's future as a collective project requiring service, unity, and responsibility.
Abiy Ahmed's Message on Sovereignty and Public Choice
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed opened his remarks by affirming Ethiopia's right to chart its national path according to the will of its citizens. He said the Ethiopian people possess the wisdom, maturity, and historical awareness to decide their future and strengthen their state.
He stated, "The Ethiopian people do not need anyone to advise them or lecture them in order to build their country and determine what they want."
The statement gave his address a firm diplomatic tone while keeping the central idea simple: Ethiopia's democratic journey belongs to its people.
Citizens Answered the Election Call Through Participation
Abiy Ahmed praised citizens who lined up from the morning to vote and take part in the national process. He described their presence as a powerful civic act and a sign of deep belief in statehood, democratic practice, and constitutional responsibility.
He said voters came forward because they believed that forming a system of government belongs to citizens. Their participation gave the election an encouraging national character and placed the Ethiopian people at the heart of the country's next chapter.
Public Trust Now Belongs to Elected Leaders
Abiy Ahmed then shifted from voters to those chosen to serve, making accountability the next major theme of his address. He said his greater concern rested on elected officials and their readiness to honor public trust through service, humility, and honest work.
He urged those entrusted by citizens to serve faithfully, saying elected officials must work "with clean hands and clean hearts." His message moved past victory and loss, placing public service above political emotion and personal pride.
The Next Five Years Carry National Expectations
Abiy Ahmed described the coming five years as a period of major national work, deeper unity, stronger thinking, and greater effort. He said Ethiopia's next chapter requires service that reaches citizens, changes daily life, and strengthens the country from households to neighborhoods and cities.
He added that Ethiopia must grow toward self-reliance, regional strength, and wider economic participation. His vision included a country that expands productivity, improves civic culture, supports more citizens toward middle-income progress, and encourages major entrepreneurs and businesses.
Ethiopia's Democratic Example Matters for the Horn of Africa
Abiy Ahmed also placed Ethiopia's election in a wider African context, especially for the Horn of Africa. He said the election can help the region practice democracy, listen to public approval, and recognize the interests of citizens.
He expressed hope that citizens throughout the Horn of Africa and the wider continent gain greater opportunities for democratic participation. His remarks presented Ethiopia's election as part of a broader continental lesson in responsibility, public voice, and peaceful civic engagement.
Peace, Service, and Unity Complete the Message
Abiy Ahmed closed his remarks by returning to peace, unity, and the duty of citizens and political leaders to serve Ethiopia together. He said the work of national stability requires responsibility from all sides and continued openness to reconciliation, forgiveness, and shared national effort.
He also thanked the people, election officials, and media professionals for their roles in the electoral process. His concluding words were direct and hopeful:
"Ethiopia will continue. Ethiopia will rise. Ethiopia's history will change."
