By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Mayor of Mogadishu, Mohamed Hassan Hussein Muungaab, has strongly denied allegations that residents of the capital were forced to register for the upcoming local elections, asserting the process was voluntary and embraced by the public.
Speaking at an official event in Mogadishu on Sunday, Muungaab revealed that nearly one million people had registered, with no reports of coercion.
“Let me be clear — no one was forced to register. The people of Mogadishu came forward on their own, eager to participate. This is a sign of democratic progress,” the mayor declared.
His comments came in response to accusations by opposition politicians and some residents who alleged that armed security forces were deployed across the city, halting public transport and compelling citizens to register. Muungaab dismissed the claims as politically motivated attempts to undermine confidence in the process.
“These are baseless allegations meant to discredit a transparent and inclusive process. The people themselves wanted to register — that is the reality,” he added.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed the completion of voter registration in Mogadishu and announced that municipal elections for the city council will take place in October.
The poll will mark the first local election in Mogadishu in decades, viewed as a significant milestone in Somalia’s fragile but ongoing transition toward democratic governance after years of conflict and instability.
