Somalia on Sunday began distributing voter cards in Mogadishu, marking a pivotal moment in its long-delayed transition toward direct elections. Nearly one million registered voters in the Benadir region are expected to participate, signalling a rare democratic milestone for the capital.
National Independent Electoral Commission Chairman Abdulkarim Ahmed Hassan urged residents to collect their cards promptly to ensure broad participation. The municipal elections were initially planned for 30 October but were postponed as preparations continued across the city.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the commission’s headquarters and reaffirmed his commitment to a “one person, one vote” system. He said the initiative represents a vital step toward strengthening governance and supporting the city’s development agenda.
The vote will be Somalia’s first direct municipal election since 1967, highlighting the weight of the moment for a generation without such experience. Somalia’s last national elections in 2022 used the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing model, which divides parliamentary seats among the four major clans and grants a half-share to minority groups.
