By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Hon. Ali Yusuf Ali (Ali-Xoosh), spoke Thursday after casting his vote in Mogadishu’s local council elections, describing the moment as a historic first in his life.
“This is the first time in my life that I have had the chance to participate in a one-person, one-vote election,” Minister Ali-Xoosh said. “It is a milestone for Somalia’s democratic progress and a clear sign of change in our electoral system.”
“I have never before had the opportunity to directly exercise my democratic right, and today I am proud to do so,” he added.
“The vote of the people is an unstoppable force for change. No one can block or undermine the expression of citizens’ will in this election process,” he said.
“These local council elections in Mogadishu are part of our broader efforts to restore direct elections at the local level, after decades of conflict and an indirect system dominated by clan elders and political elites,” Minister Ali-Xoosh noted.
“My participation reflects both the personal and symbolic significance of this vote,” he said. “It shows that government officials and citizens alike are increasingly engaged in Somalia’s evolving democratic process.”
