Thursday, July 3, 2025 — HAN
Dhusamareb, Somalia — Galmudug State has taken a major step toward strengthening democracy with the official launch of its “One Person, One Vote” voter registration campaign in Dhusamareb, the state’s administrative capital.
The campaign was inaugurated today by Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye known as Qoor Qoor, who became the first citizen to register in Galmudug. His gesture was aimed at inspiring citizens across Galmudug to take part in building accountable and representative leadership.
Speaking at the launch, President Qoor Qoor called on all eligible voters to register in large numbers, highlighting the importance of choosing leaders who will promote good governance and drive the region’s development.
This marks Galmudug as the first Federal Member State to implement voter registration following the initial phase launched in Mogadishu two months ago by the National Electoral Commission.
Today’s milestone coincided with a second round of high-level talks in Mogadishu between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Somali Salvation Forum, a key opposition coalition.
This discussions focused on four national priorities: national unity, constitutional review, security and counter-terrorism, and the establishment of a direct, inclusive electoral system.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to transitioning to a “one person, one vote” system, firmly rejecting the indirect voting model used in 2022, which they described as flawed.
However, differences remain on issues such as the structure of the electoral model, the powers of election commissions, and the role of political parties.
The launch of voter registration in Dhusamareb town, alongside political dialogue in Mogadishu, signals growing momentum toward universal suffrage—an essential step in Somalia’s democratic journey.
