Monday October 20, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s National Independent Electoral
Commission announced on Sunday that nearly one million people have registered
to vote in the Benadir region, marking a significant milestone ahead of the
country’s upcoming election.
According to the commission, 923,220 citizens registered
through 56 voter registration centers established across the region’s 16
districts, an effort aimed at ensuring broad participation.
“The registration process in Benadir has been smooth, and
the turnout demonstrates the growing public interest in shaping the country’s
future,” said Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed, who also confirmed that the elections
are scheduled to take place next month.
The chairman urged authorities to allow political
organizations to conduct their campaigns freely and transparently in
preparation for the polls.
However, opposition groups and two federal member states
Puntland and Jubbaland have declared they will boycott the elections, accusing
the federal government of managing the process unilaterally and undermining
consensus-based electoral principles.
The upcoming election is expected to be a critical test for
Somalia’s democratic process as it seeks to expand political participation and
strengthen national institutions.