MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The National Independent Electoral Commission and Boundaries (NIEC) has officially announced the conclusion of the candidate nomination process for the upcoming Banadir regional council elections. In a statement released on Friday, the Commission confirmed that 20 political organizations have successfully submitted their candidate lists, marking a major milestone in the capital’s transition to direct democracy.
The Commission disclosed that the registration period witnessed a dynamic increase in participation as the deadline approached. The process initially began with submissions from 12 organizations. In the final days, this number rose to 18, before concluding with a total of 20 political organizations that have formally presented their candidates to contest the local seats.
This robust participation indicates a vibrant political landscape in Mogadishu and reflects the high level of interest among political stakeholders in the historic “One Person, One Vote” electoral model.
Confirmed Political Organizations
The NIEC has released the names of the organizations that have met the submission requirements. The entities competing for the Banadir regional council seats are:
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RAMAAS
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TOWFIIQ
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KARAMA
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SAAB
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HORUMAR & MIDNIMO QARAN
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MUWAADINIINTA SOOMAALIYEED
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MIDNIMADA SHACABKA
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QARANKA EE DIMUQURAADIGA
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QIIMO QARAN
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CADAALADDA & WADAJIRKA
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DIMUQURAADIGA SOOMAALIYEED
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MADALSAN
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HORYAAL QARAN
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SOCOD
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DOWLAD WANAAGA SOOMAALIYEED
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CADAALADDA & MIDNIMADA TIIR
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SOOMAALINIMO
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QARAN SOOR
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SINCAD
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DADKA SOOMAALIYEED
In its official communiqué, the NIEC emphasized that the validation process was conducted in strict adherence to the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The procedures also aligned with the National Elections Law (Law No. 28/2024) and the Law on Political Parties and Associations (Law No. 27/2024 and Law No. 26/2024).
The Commission stated that the rigorous vetting of these lists ensures that all competing entities meet the national legal standards required to hold public office. This step is essential for maintaining the integrity of the polls and ensuring that the electorate is presented with qualified candidates.
With the candidate lists now secured, the NIEC outlined the subsequent phases of the electoral timeline:
Verification and Vetting: The Commission will proceed with the detailed verification of individual candidates.
Final Certification: Publication of the final list of approved candidates and issuance of candidate certificates.
Polling Agents: Appointment and training of representatives for the political organizations who will monitor the polling stations.
The successful registration of these 20 organizations sets the stage for the final leg of the campaign period, bringing the citizens of the Banadir region one step closer to exercising their democratic rights at the ballot box later this month.
