Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the Chairman of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), announced on Sunday that the Governor of the Banadir Region will be elected directly by the general public in the forthcoming local elections scheduled to take place in Mogadishu.
In a significant shift towards local democratic governance, Hassan also confirmed that district commissioners in Mogadishu will be chosen by local district councils, rather than through federal appointments.
The announcement marks a major step in Somalia’s ongoing electoral reform agenda, despite persistent political disagreements and the absence of a nationwide consensus on election procedures.
“This decision reflects the will of the people and strengthens the decentralization of power in line with our vision for democratic governance,” Hassan said during a press briefing in the capital.
The Banadir Region, which encompasses Mogadishu, has long been administered through federal appointments, often sparking controversy and disputes over legitimacy.
The move to allow public participation in electing the regional governor has been welcomed by civil society groups but has drawn criticism from some political actors who argue that the lack of broad political agreement could undermine the credibility of the process.
Observers say the announcement could signal a shift in political dynamics in Mogadishu and test the resilience of Somalia’s fragile federal system. The NIEBC has not yet released a specific timeline for the elections, nor clarified how voting will be conducted in areas with limited security or political representation.
Despite challenges, Hassan reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a fair and inclusive election process that reflects the aspirations of Mogadishu’s residents.