Electoral Chief Urges Mogadishu Residents to Collect Voter Cards as Distribution Begins

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has launched the distribution of voter cards in Mogadishu, with the country’s electoral chief urging residents to collect their cards promptly and take an active role in the nation’s shift toward direct local elections.

The National Independent Electoral Commission said card issuance had begun across seven districts in the Benadir region, where nearly one million registered voters are preparing for upcoming local council polls.

Commission Chairman Abdulkarim Ahmed Hassan called on residents to participate fully in the process, stressing that the timely collection of voter cards was essential for ensuring broad public involvement.

He said the elections would help strengthen local governance and improve basic services, from infrastructure and sanitation to security and community rights.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who visited the Commission’s headquarters, reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing a “one person, one vote” system. He urged citizens to secure their cards and prepare to vote in line with constitutional requirements.

Officials say the start of voter card distribution marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s democratic development, aiming to boost accountability and reinforce public participation at the local level.