MOGADISHU, Somalia – Residents of the Benadir region have been granted a special window of opportunity today, Friday, to collect their voter registration cards as preparations for the upcoming local council elections enter their final stage. Distribution centers across the capital’s districts remained operational, ensuring a smooth and accessible process for the public.
The decision to extend card collection services into the weekend is specifically designed to accommodate Somali citizens who have been occupied with professional obligations and personal commitments during the standard workweek. Electoral authorities issued a public directive urging these individuals to utilize this day off to visit their designated centers and secure the necessary documentation required to participate in the democratic process.
This initiative comes as the countdown continues toward the scheduled election date of December 25. On this day, the population of the capital is expected to head to the polls in large numbers to select the members of the Benadir regional council. The vote is viewed as a crucial exercise in local governance, offering residents a direct voice in the administration and development of their specific districts.
In their latest advisory, officials emphasized the strict regulatory framework governing the election. The administration made it clear that possession of a valid voter card is the primary prerequisite for voting. Consequently, any eligible citizen who fails to collect their card prior to the election date will be denied access to the ballot box, losing their opportunity to influence the composition of the new local council.
