Polls Open in Galmudug State as Thousands Line Up to Cast ‘Historic’ Vote

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALMUDUG: The Federal Member State of Galmudug on Thursday officially launched elections for Local Councils and the State Assembly across its 11 districts, marking another milestone in Somalia’s ongoing democratic transition.

A total of 267,410 registered voters are eligible to participate in the elections, with thousands turning out at polling stations to cast their ballots. The vote is being held simultaneously across all designated districts under heightened security aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.

Senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia also cast their ballots in major towns across Galmudug, praising citizens for exercising their democratic rights and urging all stakeholders to preserve peace and stability throughout the voting process.

Hundreds of candidates representing various political organizations are contesting seats in the Local Councils and the Galmudug State Assembly, as voters choose their representatives through direct elections.

The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections remains its top priority, adding that official results will be announced after the completion of vote counting.

The Galmudug polls are the third local council elections organized by the NIEBC, following similar elections previously held in Banaadir Regional Administration and South West State. The vote is expected to play a significant role in strengthening democratic governance, consolidating local government institutions, and expanding Somalia’s transition toward one-person, one-vote elections.