President Mohamud Picks Voter’s Card as Somalia Pushes Toward Universal Vote Ahead of 2026 Polls

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday formally collected his voter registration card ahead of the upcoming Banadir Region local council elections, underscoring the government’s push to expand direct democratic participation as Somalia prepares to move away from its long-standing clan-based political system.

The president registered at a polling centre in Mogadishu, describing the exercise as both symbolic and practical at a time when Somalia is laying the groundwork for a transition to a one person, one vote electoral model. The shift is seen as a key step toward strengthening accountability and restoring citizens’ direct role in choosing their leaders.

In remarks at the registration site, President Hassan Sheikh said the local council elections would mark the first time in 57 years that Somali citizens directly elect representatives to manage local affairs and deliver basic services.

“This is a historic opportunity. After 57 years, the Somali people will once again have the chance to directly elect those who will represent them on local councils,” he said, adding that free and direct elections are not a political favor but a constitutional obligation the government is determined to fulfill.

The voter registration drive comes as Somalia prepares for a broader electoral transition, with the federal government pushing to replace the clan-based power-sharing system with universal suffrage. Supporters of the reforms say direct elections are critical to building inclusive governance, while critics have raised concerns over security, logistics, and political consensus.

The Banadir local council polls, scheduled for December 25, are widely viewed as a test case for future nationwide elections, including presidential and parliamentary polls.

Th Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab) also received his voter card in Karan District. He said the ongoing preparations reflected growing public engagement in the electoral process and called on residents of the capital to register and participate.

Somalia is due to elect a new president in May 2026, when the term of the current president expires. The government has said progress on voter registration and local elections will be critical in determining whether the country can fully transition to a one person, one vote system ahead of that vote.