Mogadishu, Somalia – In a historic stride for the nation, the Federal Government of Somalia successfully concluded a landmark direct local election across the capital’s districts on Thursday. This event marks a transformative moment, being the first one-person, one-vote election held in Somalia since 1969.
This successful exercise represents the fruition of years of determined planning by the Somali government to fulfill its promise of transitioning to a democratic, inclusive electoral system. It moves the nation decisively away from traditional clan-based negotiations toward a process founded on direct citizen participation.
Organized by Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), the election saw vibrant participation with nearly one million registered voters across 523 polling stations and candidates from approximately 20 political parties. This process stands as the most concrete step yet in building a political system rooted in public trust, accountability, and national cohesion.
“The process signals a commitment to building a durable Somali state grounded in democracy, public trust, national cohesion and long-term stability,” stated Mohamed Husein Gaas, Director of the Raad Peace Research Institute, who praised the government’s efforts. He added that by proceeding with the vote, the federal government is empowering citizens and moving towards a more legitimate and inclusive state.
First-time voter Farhiyo Mohamed encapsulated the public sentiment, saying, “This is something I have never seen before, since I was born: such an election happening before my own eyes and to take part in a universal election like this.”
The government ensured robust security measures were in place to guarantee a safe and secure environment for voters, demonstrating that democratic exercises are achievable even amid ongoing security challenges. This successful local election paves the way for the government’s phased roadmap to expand direct voting to federal member states and eventually to the national level.
This achievement underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, strengthening governance, and fulfilling the aspirations of the Somali people for a stable and prosperous future built on the power of their own votes.
BY: The Times Union
