The distribution of voter cards for the local council elections has officially begun in Mogadishu, marking the first concrete step in Somalia’s transition toward direct elections that allow citizens to freely and responsibly choose their representatives.
The National Independent Electoral Commission announced the commencement of card issuance across seven districts in the Benadir region, where nearly one million registered voters are preparing to cast their ballots in the upcoming phase. The local council elections are a key pillar in improving public service delivery and strengthening local administration, particularly in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure development, sanitation, security, and the protection of residents’ rights.
Abdulkarim Ahmed Hassan, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, urged Benadir residents to actively participate in the electoral process and emphasized the importance of collecting voter cards within the designated period. In this context, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the Commission’s headquarters, reaffirming his government’s commitment to implementing the “one person, one vote” system as an irreversible national choice.
During the visit, the Prime Minister stated, “He who believes in God and then trusts his people will never be let down by them,” calling on all registered citizens to obtain their voter cards and prepare to participate in the elections in accordance with the Constitution.
This development is regarded as one of the most significant milestones in strengthening Somalia’s democratic process, promoting accountability, responding to community needs, and advancing development across local districts. The launch of local council elections reflects the country’s dedication to building effective state institutions grounded in public participation and good governance, paving the way for greater stability and sustainable progress.
