Banadir Region Ready for Elections with Nearly One Million Registered Voters

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The electoral commission has confirmed that 918,890 people have registered to vote in the Banadir region ahead of the country’s first direct local elections in more than half a century, scheduled for November 30.

The announcement by Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), marks a major step in Somalia’s transition from a clan-based political system to universal suffrage.

“This is a strong start and a sign of the public’s readiness for change,” Hassan said, noting that voter enthusiasm was especially high among young people and first-time voters. “Many citizens, including mothers and elders, told us they are eager to cast their vote for the first time.”

According to official figures, 69% of registered voters are aged between 18 and 34, reflecting a youth-driven push for democratic participation. Men account for 62% of registrants, while women make up 38%.

The Banadir elections, covering Mogadishu’s 16 districts, will serve as a pilot for Somalia’s broader plan to hold national one-person, one-vote elections in 2026.

The NIEBC also confirmed that 14 political associations have been registered so far, paving the way for multi-party competition at the local level.

“The successful registration and the confirmed election date demonstrate Somalia’s determination to advance democratic governance,” Hassan said. The commission is now focused on finalizing logistics, voter education, and securing polling centers to ensure a transparent and peaceful vote.