The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) of the Federal Government of Somalia, is set to hold direct local elections in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, on 30th November 2025, for the first time in a half of century.
This long-awaiting decision was confirmed by the chairperson of the NIEBC, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan during a well-organized event held on October 19, 2025, which has been circulated on the Federal government’s official media channels and other independent reputable news outlets.
The announcement comes shortly after the end of the registration period, in which 923,220 voters were given their voting cards in Mogadishu. According to the World Population Review, the Mogadishu’s 2025 population is estimated 2,849,420, which make the voter’s figure approximately equal to one third of its inhabitants.
Holding direct local elections in Mogadishu is a very significant for the country’s political landscape and it would mark a historic democratic milestone and a crucial step toward restoring democratic governance, as well as the end of indirect elections and the clan-based political representation system been practiced since 2000.
Historically, indirect elections experienced in Somalia often involve clan representatives, selecting members of parliament, who then elect the president. Though it is traced back to the pre-colonial and the colonial era, where traditional governance structures are implaced and maintained for decades, but the current implementing indirect elections was established at Arta conference in 2000, and it is based on the power sharing system, known as 4.5 quota. However, indirect electoral system has been criticized for lacking transparency and inclusivity, creating political crises, and poses politician’s absolute influences on the results. Theses challenges paved the way to the ongoing efforts of implementing direct elections across the country. As the result, the Mogadishu city was chosen as the venue for local direct elections pilot test, scheduled to take place end of November 2025.
Factors Enabling Direct Elections in Mogadishu
In attempting to highlight the root causes and the motivations through which the Mogadishu would enable to hold scheduled direct elections, the following factors might become dominant in the arena:-
1. The commitment of the current Mayer of Mogadishu Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Mungaab) whose efforts made this milestone obtainable.
2. A close one Million of voter was registered in Mogadishu’s districts under the guidance and the directive of the NIEBC, as well as the unwavering support from the governor of Banadir Regional Administration and the Mayer of Mogadishu Dr. Mungaab.
3. Security improvements that the Mogadishu, capital city of Somalia, has experienced in the recent months.
4. The NIEBC finalization of logistical planning, including voter registration and coordination with security agencies and its readiness to deliver facilities required at the polling stations.
5. Implementing the national resolution on holding one person, one-vote elections in Somalia, which has been passed unanimously by the cabinet and the parliament of Somalia in 2024.
6. Due to the concerns, disputes, power abuses, obvious corruption and the political grievances posed during the last indirect elections of MP’s held across the federal member states (FMS) end of 2021, and early of 2022.
7. The readiness of Mogadishu inhabitants to exercise their rights in political participation and give them a voice in social and economic fortunes of their region.
8. Holding direct elections in Mogadishu is the testimony and the pilot test for parliament and presidential national direct elections which scheduled to take place next year 2026.
Hinders Ahead
Despite the significant security improvements that the Mogadishu- capital city of Somalia, has been witnessing recently, however these developments are not free from obstacles that threaten holding direct elections across 16 districts of Mogadishu, which was designated unique participants in the coming local polls. These districts were officially categorized into two ranks; nine of them were classified grade (A), while the remaining seven other districts were assigned grade (B).
Holding direct elections in Mogadishu faces several significant challenges and hindrances, including; Security Concerns; where terrorist groups might pose such serious risks to the safety of voters and the polling stations despite that the Mogadishu currently enjoying its best security stability in decades. Political Disagreement; where some political parties and opposition groups are calling for consensus building necessary for a credible electoral process. Resource Constraints; due to limited financial resources it might hamper the planning and execution of local elections on time, which may affect everything from logistics to security. Lack of Voter Education and Awareness; in line with public lack of basic knowledge of the electoral process, awareness becomes a significant portion of this election, necessitating extensive voter education campaigns. However, the federal government of Somalia, the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), and the Banadir Regional Administration (BRA), along with registered political parties, are doing their utmost to address these challenges and overcome those obstacles by working closely, and coordinating efforts to create a conducive environment for free and fair local elections to be held in Mogadishu end of November, 2025.
A Pilot Initiative
Somalia has not held direct elections since 1969, which makes one person, one vote implementation in Mogadishu a critical testament for rest of the country. As the result, if this attempt becomes successful, which is more likely to happen, the Mogadishu local elections could set a precedent for wider general elections across the country in the coming months, hypothetically accelerating Somalia’s long journey toward full democratic participation.
Key Recommendations
Political agreement is a key component when conducting elections in a fragile and a post conflict state, it is therefore imperative for the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and all other stockholders to come together and address this lasted political quagmire, to avoid possible political uncertainty and impasse. On the same note, the international community should also encourage Somalia’s political elites to come to the table to tackle their political differences.
Since it is the first time that the FGS is planning to conduct direct local elections in Mogadishu, massive voter education and awareness should be carried out in all districts of the city, where polling stations have been designated. In addition to that, The FGS should also take into the consideration the security and safety of the voters as the terrorist groups might try to conduct attacks in the city to intimidate the civilians from casting their votes peacefully. Finally, the FGS government should remain neutral in the manner local elections are conducted smoothly in Mogadishu. Equally, they should not intervene the commission’s mandate in holding free and fair elections in which the people in Mogadishu can elect their leaders directly, for the first time since 1969.
Conclusion
Direct election’s implementation in Somalia is a great achievement and a dream for all, including; conservatives and opponents, and the ordinary citizens, because it empowers citizens to choose their leaders, fostering a sense of ownership and give them a chance to hold politicians accountable. This situation, requires every one of us to participate in achieving this golden milestone and making it a reality in the best possible way. For now, the capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu, is ready to make history by holding free, fair and credible local elections on Sunday 30th November 2025.
Abdiaziz Gedef, Writer, Political and Security analyst. E-mail: gedef24@gmail.com
