Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has declared the candidate nomination process finalized for the upcoming Banadir regional council elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission verified that 20 political organizations have submitted their candidate rosters, representing a significant advancement in the capital’s move toward direct democracy.
The Commission revealed that participation surged as the deadline neared. The registration commenced with 12 organizations initially submitting their lists. In the final days, this number climbed to 18, ultimately culminating in 20 political organizations formally presenting their candidates for the local council positions.
This substantial engagement demonstrates a dynamic political environment in Mogadishu and signifies keen interest among political players regarding the historic “One Person, One Vote” electoral system.
Participating Political Organizations
The NIEBC has published the names of organizations that fulfilled all submission criteria. The groups vying for Banadir regional council seats include:
– RAMAAS
– TOWFIIQ
– KARAMA
– SAAB
– HORUMAR & MIDNIMO QARAN
– MUWAADINIINTA SOOMAALIYEED
– MIDNIMADA SHACABKA
– QARANKA EE DIMUQURAADIGA
– QIIMO QARAN
– CADAALADDA & WADAJIRKA
– DIMUQURAADIGA SOOMAALIYEED
– MADALSAN
– HORYAAL QARAN
– SOCOD
– DOWLAD WANAAGA SOOMAALIYEED
– CADAALADDA & MIDNIMADA TIIR
SOOMAALINIMO
– QARAN SOOR
– SINCAD
– DADKA SOOMAALIYEED
In its official statement, the NIEBC highlighted that the validation process strictly followed the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The procedures also conformed to the National Elections Law (Law No. 28/2024) and the Law on Political Parties and Associations (Law No. 27/2024 and Law No. 26/2024).
The Commission noted that the thorough examination of these lists guarantees that all participating entities satisfy the national legal criteria for public office. This measure is crucial for preserving the integrity of the elections and ensuring voters receive qualified candidates.
Having secured the candidate rosters, the NIEBC outlined the forthcoming stages of the electoral schedule, as follows:
a) Verification and Vetting: The Commission will conduct comprehensive verification of individual candidates.
b) Final Certification: Publication of the definitive list of approved candidates and distribution of candidate certificates.
c) Polling Agents: Selection and training of representatives from political organizations to oversee polling stations.
The successful registration of these 20 organizations paves the way for the final phase of campaigning, bringing Banadir residents closer to exercising their democratic rights at the polls later this month.
