Historic Voter Registration Opens in Mogadishu Ahead of Universal Poll in 54 Years

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Thousands of Mogadishu residents started lining up to register as voters in a historic exercise as Somalia prepares to hold nationwide one-person-one-vote elections.

The exercise, which kicked off in Shangani district of Mogadishu, saw residents take to the queue from early Tuesday. The Independent National Elections and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) said the voter registration will start in Banaadir region which encompasses the capital Mogadishu before proceeding to other parts of the country.

The exercise is in preparation for local council elections, which will start in June followed by Federal Member State elections and subsequent presidential elections next year.

This will be the first time Somalis will be voting directly to their leaders in 54 years.

More to follow.