Mogadishu (SONNA): The Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, on Thursday conducted an official inspection tour across all districts where voting is taking place for the Benadir Regional Local Council elections.
During the visit, the Chairman assessed the smooth conduct of the electoral process and observed the active role played by young election workers in assisting voters at polling stations.
Across the 16 districts hosting ballot boxes, Chairman Abdikarim witnessed intensive electoral activity and strong public enthusiasm, with Somali citizens eager to cast their votes and determine the leaders they would entrust with their future.
“We have seen Somali citizens who are deeply eager to vote. As the media has shown, the queues were very long and included elderly people, youth, persons with special needs, elders, and mothers. One of the most striking scenes we witnessed was a mother with a three-day-old baby standing in line, happily waiting to cast her vote,” the Chairman said.
He noted that security agencies have taken robust measures to safeguard overall security in Mogadishu, particularly ensuring the safety of polling stations and voters. The Federal Government, he added, has made significant efforts to guarantee that citizens are able to vote peacefully and without intimidation.
Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan was accompanied during the inspection by the Somali Police Force Commander, Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi, along with other members of the Commission.
The voting process, which began early in the morning, continues smoothly across Mogadishu, with large numbers of citizens still lining up to exercise their democratic right.
