Mogadishu, Somalia – The Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungaab, officially received his voter registration card on Monday morning, signaling a major push toward inclusive democratic participation in Somalia’s capital.
Mayor Mungaab, who has been a vocal advocate for electoral reform and civic engagement, encouraged all eligible residents of Mogadishu and the wider Banadir Region to register and take part in the upcoming one-person-one-vote elections—a historic milestone for the city and the country.
“Today, I have taken my voter card not just as a leader, but as a citizen. I urge every Somali, especially the youth and women, to do the same so that we can all play our role in shaping the future of our nation,” said the Mayor.
The voter registration campaign in Banadir comes as part of Somalia’s broader effort to transition from indirect clan-based elections to a direct electoral model. The upcoming poll will be the first of its kind in Mogadishu in decades and is seen as a critical step toward democratic consolidation and good governance.
Municipal and federal officials praised the Mayor’s symbolic act, emphasizing that public trust and participation are key to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has been working closely with local authorities to roll out voter registration across the country, despite security challenges and logistical hurdles.
With Mayor Mungaab’s public endorsement, officials hope to see a surge in registration numbers across Banadir in the coming days.