Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) of Somalia has announced that 923,220 people have been registered to vote in the Banadir region, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing electoral process. The provisional voter list, unveiled at a ceremony in Mogadishu, signals a significant step toward the long-awaited local council elections scheduled for November 30.
The event drew a cross-section of Somali society, including senior government officials, political party leaders, and civil society representatives, who hailed the development as a sign of democratic progress in one of the country’s most politically dynamic regions.
Speaking at the ceremony, NIEBC Chairperson Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said the release of the voter list reflects months of rigorous preparation and cooperation between national and local institutions.
“Today we are witnessing the fruit of collective effort. The people of Banadir have shown great enthusiasm and trust in this process,” he said, pledging that the commission will ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
The upcoming vote will allow residents of Mogadishu’s 17 districts to elect their local council representatives—an exercise expected to deepen political participation and strengthen governance at the community level. It will also mark the first time in many years that local elections are held in the capital, a city often seen as the heart of Somalia’s political and economic life.
Observers say the high number of registered voters underscores the growing public confidence in the electoral process, despite persistent security and logistical challenges. Civil society leaders attending the ceremony urged all stakeholders to maintain transparency and inclusivity as the polls approach.
For many Mogadishu residents, the November elections carry hopes for better local services, stronger accountability, and a new chapter in Somalia’s democratic evolution. As preparations continue, all eyes now turn to Banadir—where nearly a million voices are poised to shape the future of their communities.
