By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Residents of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, are set to go to polling stations on Thursday, the 25th of this month, in a landmark vote that officials say will mark the first time in 57 years that citizens are able to directly elect their leaders.
The vote is being described by authorities as a major step toward restoring direct democratic participation in a country that has endured decades of political instability, armed conflict, and indirect electoral systems dominated by clan-based power sharing.
“This election represents the return of the people’s voice,” a senior official from Somalia’s election administration said. “For the first time in decades, citizens will directly decide who governs them, rather than decisions being made on their behalf.”
Somalia has not held a one-person, one-vote election since 1969, before a military takeover and the eventual collapse of the central government in 1991. Since then, political leadership has largely been selected through clan elders and appointed delegates — a system widely criticized for excluding ordinary citizens and weakening public accountability.
Officials overseeing the vote said preparations have been underway for months, including voter registration, public awareness campaigns, training of polling staff, and logistical planning across the capital.
“We have worked extensively to ensure this process meets basic democratic standards,” said an official with the municipal election body. “Our priority is that every registered voter can cast their ballot freely and safely.”
Security has been tightened across Mogadishu, with additional police and military personnel deployed to protect polling stations, voters, and election workers. The measures come amid persistent threats from the extremist group al-Shabab, which has previously targeted political events in the city.
“Our security forces are fully prepared,” a government security official said. “We are determined that citizens exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.”
Political analysts say the introduction of direct voting could mark a turning point for Somalia’s governance, potentially strengthening accountability and public trust in state institutions.
“Direct elections are essential for long-term stability,” said a Somali political analyst based in Mogadishu. “When leaders know they answer to voters, not political brokers, governance improves.”
Residents across the capital expressed cautious optimism ahead of the vote, seeing it as a rare opportunity to influence Somalia’s political future after years of uncertainty.
“This is something we have waited for,” said one Mogadishu resident planning to vote. “We want leaders chosen by the people, not selected behind closed doors.”
Despite the optimism, election observers warn that challenges remain, including security risks, logistical constraints, and ensuring broad participation in a city with fragile infrastructure.
International partners, including the United Nations and regional organizations, are monitoring the process closely. An international observer involved in election support said the vote would be “a critical test of Somalia’s democratic transition.”
If successful, the Mogadishu vote could pave the way for broader nationwide one-person, one-vote elections, signaling a potential turning point in Somalia’s long efforts to rebuild a functional, representative, and accountable state.
