Galmudug presidential, Liban Ahmed Hassan on Tuesday voiced his support for Somalia’s planned direct elections, joining senior government officials and residents at a rally in Mogadishu. The rally, attended by ministers and lawmakers, was widely seen as an attempt to demonstrate public support for direct elections and an indication of the relative calm and stability in the capital. Mogadishu is preparing for the long-awaited local council elections in the Benadir region scheduled for the 25th of this month. The Benadir local council vote is expected to be the first direct election of its kind in nearly six decades, marking a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to transition from the long-standing clan-based political system to universal suffrage. Liban Ahmed Hassan, regarded as one of the leading contenders for the Galmudug presidency, is among the politicians who have openly and consistently advocated for the direct election model. He has characterized the upcoming elections as a critical milestone in strengthening democratic governance and expanding citizen participation in public affairs. The Federal Government of Somalia has previously confirmed that the Benadir local council elections will take place on the 25th, despite political and security challenges. Authorities indicate that the vote will serve as a test case for broader nationwide direct elections planned in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
