Lower Shabelle Residents Register As Somalia Advances Electoral Reforms

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has launched voter registration in Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, as Somalia prepares for planned one-person-one-vote elections.

The exercise was inaugurated by district commissioner Mohamed Ibrahim Abukar, who joined other officials in registering at designated centres.

Residents turned out in large numbers to enrol, signalling growing public interest in participating in direct elections after decades of indirect voting systems.

Electoral official Dahir Muse Osman urged citizens to take part in the registration process, describing it as a key step toward inclusive political participation.

The rollout comes as Somalia accelerates efforts to transition from a clan-based, indirect electoral model to a universal suffrage system, a central pillar of ongoing political reforms.

Recent constitutional changes have endorsed a one-person-one-vote framework and extended presidential terms to five years, while the federal government has intensified preparations for nationwide polls.

However, the process has faced political tensions, with some regional administrations expressing concerns over the pace and structure of the reforms, as well as ongoing security challenges in areas affected by Al-Shabaab.

The federal government say expanding voter registration across districts such as Awdheegle is critical to building a credible voter base and ensuring broader participation, particularly in regions where state presence has been gradually restored after military operations.

Observers say the success of the registration drive will be a key test of Somalia’s readiness to deliver its first full universal suffrage elections in decades.