Somalia PM Urges Citizens to Register as Voter Drive Gains Momentum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has called on all citizens to actively participate in the country’s historic voter registration drive, declaring it a defining step toward accountable governance and lasting peace.

Visiting Mogadishu’s Shangaani district where crowds turned out in large numbers for the second day of registration, PM Hamza hailed the moment as a “victory for Somalia” and a powerful rebuttal to years of political skepticism.

“Every Somali has the right to register, to vote, and to be heard. Today marks the beginning of a democratic era where leadership is earned through merit and the will of the people,” the Prime Minister said in an address to residents.

The registration process, tied to the issuance of national IDs, is being rolled out across select districts, forming the bedrock of Somalia’s transition to one-person, one-vote elections. The Prime Minister’s presence in Shangaani was both symbolic and strategic, showcasing government commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

“This is how we restore trust, by giving power back to the people,” he said, urging Somalis nationwide to seize the opportunity to register. “Let no one be left behind in this process.”

The Prime Minister also took aim at critics who doubted Somalia’s electoral readiness. “Those who claimed this country could not hold credible elections have been proven wrong,” he said, pointing to the enthusiastic turnout as proof of public resolve.

Beyond electoral reform, PM Hamza emphasized the government’s parallel focus on security and development. He highlighted recent military gains against the Al-Shabaab extremists and reaffirmed plans to drive economic growth through infrastructure and investment.

With the voter registration campaign gaining momentum, officials say this initiative will lay the foundation for Somalia’s first direct national elections in decades, an effort widely viewed as a turning point in the country’s democratic journey.