Jowhar, Somalia – In a landmark move toward democratic reform, HirShabelle State President Ali Gudlawe Hussein on Sunday officially launched voter registration for what he declared the region’s first-ever one-person, one-vote local elections.
The rollout began in Jowhar, the administrative capital of HirShabelle, marking a bold step away from Somalia’s long-standing clan-based power-sharing system. President Gudlawe hailed the initiative as a turning point for inclusive and citizen-driven governance.
“This is a proud day for the people of HirShabelle. For the first time, every eligible citizen will have a voice and a vote in determining their local leaders,” President Gudlawe stated during the launch.
The voter registration exercise, supervised by the regional electoral commission and supported by federal institutions, is expected to expand across other HirShabelle districts in the coming weeks. Authorities describe the process as critical for building public trust, deepening federalism, and laying the foundation for accountable leadership at the grassroots level.
Federal and local officials, traditional elders, civil society leaders, and international partners attended the launch, expressing broad support for the transition to universal suffrage in the state.
HirShabelle becomes the latest federal member state in Somalia to take tangible steps toward electoral reform. The move aligns with national efforts to gradually replace indirect clan-based selections with a more inclusive and transparent voting system.
While challenges such as security concerns and logistical hurdles remain, the Jowhar launch has sparked optimism among residents and observers who see it as a critical step in Somalia’s path to full democratization.