Galmudug Presidential Hopeful Backs One-Person, One-Vote Elections at Mogadishu Rally

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Galmudug presidential hopeful Liban Ahmed Hassan on Tuesday voiced his support for Somalia’s planned one-person, one-vote elections, joining senior government officials and thousands of residents at a rally in Mogadishu.

The rally, attended by ministers and lawmakers was widely seen as a show of public backing for direct elections and as an indication of the relative calm and stability in the capital, as Mogadishu prepares for the long-awaited local council elections in the Banadir region scheduled for the 25th of this month.
The Banadir local council vote is expected to be the first direct election of its kind in nearly six decades, marking a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to move away from the long-standing clan-based political system toward universal suffrage.
Liban Ahmed Hassan, considered one of the leading contenders for the Galmudug presidency, is among the politicians who have openly and consistently supported the one-person, one-vote model. He has described the upcoming elections as a critical milestone in strengthening democratic governance and expanding citizen participation in public affairs.
The Federal Government of Somalia has previously confirmed that the Banadir local council elections will be held on 25th, despite political and security challenges. Authorities say the vote will serve as a test case for broader nationwide direct elections planned in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
In recent weeks, registered political associations have intensified their campaigns across Mogadishu, mobilizing supporters and appealing to voters as the city enters the final stretch before polling day.