Hundreds Flock to Register as Somalia Prepares for Historic Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Hundreds of residents in Mogadishu’s Xamar Jajab, Waabari, and Abdicasis districts lined up at registration centers early Tuesady, eager to secure their place in Somalia’s first local elections in more than 50 years.

District commissioners hailed the strong public turnout, encouraging more citizens to register and participate in the landmark vote, scheduled for June.

The elections mark a major milestone as Somalia works to rebuild democratic institutions after decades of conflict and instability.

Residents waiting in long queues described a sense of pride and excitement at reclaiming their constitutional right to elect local leaders, a right last exercised more than six decades ago.

“This is a historic moment,” said one resident at a bustling center in Xamar Jajab. “For the first time in my life, I will have a say in choosing who governs my community.”

Authorities hope the enthusiastic response seen in Mogadishu will spread across the country as preparations continue for the upcoming polls.