Historic One-Person-One-Vote Elections in Over 50 Years Underway in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Voting is underway today across Mogadishu in what officials and observers describe as a landmark moment for Somalia’s democratic recovery, as residents of the capital take part in the first elected local council polls in about 54 years.

The exercise is taking place in more than 500 polling stations spread across all 16 districts of the Banadir region. From the early hours of the morning, voters were seen lining up at polling centres, signalling strong public interest despite a tense political backdrop in the lead-up to the vote.

Security, which had dominated pre-election concerns, has been heavily reinforced. Nearly 10,000 security personnel drawn from various branches of the national forces have been deployed to secure polling stations, major roads and key installations. Authorities say voting has so far proceeded calmly and without major disruptions.

Several senior government officials have already cast their ballots, using the occasion to encourage citizens to participate and frame the vote as a rare opportunity to shape local governance through the ballot. The elections come after decades in which local administrations were either appointed or operated under indirect arrangements following the collapse of the central state in 1991.

Beyond Banadir, the vote is widely seen as a test case for Somalia’s broader electoral roadmap. Officials say the local council elections in Mogadishu are expected to pave the way for similar exercises in other parts of the country, building momentum ahead of the planned presidential and parliamentary elections slated for mid next year.

Supporters argue that elected local councils could strengthen accountability and service delivery at the grassroots level, while critics continue to question aspects of the process and its inclusivity. As voting continues through the day, attention will remain on turnout, security developments and the political implications of a process many see as a defining step in Somalia’s long path back to democratic governance.