Mogadishu Residents Collect Voter Cards as Local Elections Near

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Residents of Somalia’s Banadir region turned out in steady numbers to collect voter cards for the capital’s upcoming local council elections, marking a milestone in efforts to expand political participation.

Officials at registration centres said citizens expressed excitement at taking part in a process many were doing for the first time.

“I am a Somali citizen, and this morning I came to collect my voter card to make my voice heard,” said Osman Goodax Barre, 55. Another resident, Safiya Shire Dahir, said she was eager to “exercise my right to vote.”

Saalax Mohamed, head of the Shibis District Disability Association, said people with disabilities welcomed the chance to participate.

“We, as people with special needs, are happy to finally cast our votes,” he said.

Elder Maxamuud Xaaji Goobe said he came early in the morning to ensure he received his card, while Shibis District Women’s Affairs Chairwoman Safiya Mohamed Ali urged women to take part.

“The era of denying women their quota is over, sisters, let your vote be your voice,” she said.

The officials added that distribution began smoothly and peacefully, with residents showing broad interest in securing their cards ahead of the elections.