Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and inclusive local council election by continuing voter registration efforts across all districts of Mogadishu, despite mounting political tensions and an ongoing opposition boycott.
The commission stated on Saturday that the registration drive is proceeding “as planned” in the capital’s 17 districts, aiming to ensure that all eligible residents have the opportunity to participate in the long-awaited local polls.
These elections are a key part of Somalia’s broader decentralization and democratization process.
However, the exercise is unfolding in a politically charged atmosphere, as several opposition groups and political associations have announced their withdrawal from the local electoral process.
They allege a lack of consensus on key aspects of electoral transparency, security arrangements, and political inclusivity.
A high-stakes meeting is reportedly scheduled for the coming days, bringing together representatives from the Federal Government, Federal Member States, electoral bodies, and opposition leaders.
The goal is to address growing disagreements over the framework for Somalia’s upcoming 2026 national elections, including the choice between a one-person, one-vote system or a clan-based power-sharing model.
NIEBC officials have reiterated their neutrality and urged all stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue. “The commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all Somalis can participate in shaping their local governance,” said a senior official involved in the voter registration exercise.
Observers say the outcome of the upcoming dialogue could significantly influence Somalia’s electoral roadmap and broader political stability as the country seeks to build durable democratic institutions after decades of conflict and transitional governance.
The local council elections in Mogadishu will be the first of their kind in over 50 years if successfully held, marking a milestone in Somalia’s post-conflict recovery and efforts toward inclusive governance.