MOGADISHU (SONNA): The Chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, today confirmed the final voter registration statistics for the Banadir Regional Administration, establishing a clear and verified voter base for the historic upcoming elections.
Chairman Hassan announced that the intensive voter registration drive in the Banadir Region (Mogadishu) has resulted in a confirmed figure of 918,890 eligible registered voters. This unprecedented mobilization signals a critical turning point for Somalia’s political transition.
“We have reached a figure that is a good sign, and a strong start,” Chairman Hassan stated, indicating the population’s fervent desire to reclaim its political franchise after decades of a clan-based electoral system.
The Chairman explicitly linked the robust turnout to a deeply felt public desire for democracy:
“We observed an emotional citizen—many individuals, including mothers and elders, who felt it was time for them to cast their vote. We estimate that an incredible number of people will turn out for the election on November 30th.”
The final, verified data reveals key demographics for the Mogadishu electorate:
- Final Eligible Voters: 918,890 citizens successfully registered across 16 districts.
- Youth Majority: 69% of these registered voters are aged 18-34, underscoring a powerful, youth-driven demand for democratic change.
- Gender Participation: The registered electorate stands at 62% Male and 38% Female, setting a new benchmark for electoral inclusion.
The election process for the Banadir region is the critical pilot step in the Federal Government’s broader plan to establish direct universal suffrage, leading up to the scheduled 2026 national elections.
The Chairman confirmed that the Commission has made substantial progress on the foundational pillar of a multi-party system, noting that the NIEBC has registered 14 political associations, with a high volume of interest overall. This represents a definitive break from the political monopolies of the past, opening the door for genuine political competition at the local level.
Key Achievements Confirmed by the NIEBC:
- Fixed Date: Banadir Regional Council elections officially set for November 30, 2025.
- Voter Base: 918,890 citizens successfully registered in the Banadir Regional Administration.
- Political Pluralism: Registration and certification of political associations are ongoing, ensuring a competitive multi-party system for the upcoming polls.
The successful conclusion of the voter registration and the firm commitment to the November 30th date send a powerful message of institutional capability and political resolve, signaling that Somalia is moving forward with its ambitious agenda for democratic renewal despite various ongoing challenges. The Commission’s focus now shifts to finalizing the logistics, educating voters, and securing the polling centers to ensure the Banadir vote is transparent, peaceful, and fully reflective of the community’s clear mandate for direct democracy.
