MOGADISHU (SONNA) – A high-level delegation led by the Federal Minister of Health and Human Services, Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, descended upon the Boondheere district on Wednesday. Their mission was clear: to witness the surge in civic engagement and rally the public to collect their voter cards ahead of the capital’s landmark direct elections.
As the countdown begins for the first “One Person, One Vote” local elections in the Banadir region, the Federal Government is intensifying its mobilization efforts. The visit to Boondheere was part of a broader government strategy to ensure that every eligible citizen in Mogadishu is equipped to exercise their constitutional right at the ballot box.
Accompanied by several other Federal Ministers, Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar inspected multiple voter card distribution centers across the district. The delegation observed the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (NIEC) staff, who are working around the clock to process the influx of residents eager to secure their voting credentials.
The atmosphere in Boondheere was described as electric, with citizens queuing to collect the cards that will grant them a direct say in their local governance for the first time in decades. The Ministers engaged directly with residents, listening to their aspirations and discussing the transformative power of the ballot.
Speaking to the press and the gathered crowds, Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar delivered a passionate appeal to the residents of Boondheere and the wider population of the Banadir region. He emphasized that the era of indirect representation is ending, replaced by a system where the power resides solely in the hands of the people.
“This is not just a plastic card; it is the tool with which you will build the future of your neighborhood and your nation,” the Minister stated. He commended the NIEC staff for their diligence and praised the citizens of Boondheere for their proactive stance. “We are witnessing history. I urge every mother, father, and youth who has registered to come forward, collect their card, and be ready to make their voice heard.”
The government’s message is resonating across Mogadishu. The transition to universal suffrage is viewed as a critical step in Somalia’s state-building journey, moving the country toward a system of accountability and transparency.
The visit by the ministerial delegation serves as a powerful reminder that the success of this democratic experiment depends on participation. With the election date approaching, the Federal Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure high voter turnout.
Dr. Ali Haji Adam concluded the tour by challenging the residents of Boondheere to lead by example, setting a standard for civic duty that the rest of the capital can follow. “The opportunity to choose your leaders is a privilege and a responsibility,” he affirmed. “Let us embrace it with full hearts and clear purpose.”
