Voter Registration Gains Momentum Across Banadir for Somalia’s Historic Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission and the Boundary Commission are pressing ahead with voter registration across 13 districts of Banadir region, marking a significant step toward the country’s first one-person, one-vote elections in decades.

Registration efforts, now in their second day in districts including Hodan, Kaaraan, Warta Nabadda, Yaaqshiid, Heliwaa, and Hawlwadaag, are offering thousands of citizens the chance to obtain voter cards ahead of the upcoming polls.

Speaking to the journalists, residents expressed excitement and pride at participating in an electoral process that allows them, for the first time, to directly choose their leaders.

Earlier phases of voter registration had already been launched in seven districts, Shangaani, Xamar Weyne, Shibis, Xamar Jajab, Boondheere, Waaberi, and Abdicasis, underscoring the government’s push to extend electoral access across the capital.

Authorities have urged all eligible citizens to register in their respective districts to secure their constitutional right to vote, a move seen as critical to strengthening Somalia’s nascent democracy.