MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu has issued an official statement expressing deep gratitude to the residents of the capital following the successful conclusion of voting in the region’s historic local council elections. As polling stations closed across the sixteen districts, the Mayor hailed the day as a triumph for the city’s democratic aspirations, marked by a massive public turnout and a peaceful atmosphere.
In his address, the Governor acknowledged the determination of the Mogadishu electorate, who queued for hours to exercise their constitutional rights. He noted that the high level of participation sends a powerful message about the maturity of the city’s population and their readiness to directly elect their local representatives. The Governor emphasized that the patience and discipline shown by voters were crucial in ensuring the smooth conduct of the “one-person, one-vote” process, a system being implemented for the first time in decades.
A significant portion of the Mayor’s remarks was dedicated to the Somali security forces, whose performance he described as exemplary. He extended specific thanks to the police and other agencies for securing the capital and ensuring the election remained entirely incident-free. The Governor highlighted that the rigorous security plan, involving the deployment of thousands of officers, succeeded in creating a safe environment where citizens could vote without fear or intimidation.
Beyond maintaining order, the Governor praised the security personnel for their compassionate service to the community. He cited numerous instances where officers went beyond the call of duty to assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. This humanitarian approach, he stated, ensured that every segment of society, regardless of physical challenges, was able to participate in this defining moment for the capital. The Mayor concluded that the collaboration between the public and the security forces was the cornerstone of the day’s success.
