Hornpost
Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn post) — Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday marked a historic milestone as residents cast their ballots in a direct popular vote for the Banadir Regional Local Councils for the first time in more than 50 years.
Polling stations across Banadir Region opened early in the morning, with large crowds forming long queues at voting centers as hundreds of thousands of eligible voters participated in the landmark election. Security was significantly tightened across the capital and around polling sites to ensure a smooth and safe voting process.
More than 10,000 security personnel were deployed to safeguard the elections and prevent potential attacks by the Al-Shabaab militant group, according to security officials.
Observers reported that many voters were young people under the age of 35, though women and elderly citizens were also actively taking part, reflecting broad public engagement in the democratic process.
Over 500,000 registered voters are eligible to choose among approximately 1,600 candidates contesting seats in the Banadir Local Councils, making the election one of the most competitive and participatory in Somalia’s recent history.
Authorities announced that the nighttime curfew imposed on Mogadishu will be lifted at midnight (12:00 a.m.) following the close of polls, while voting is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Earlier in the day, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accompanied by the First Lady, Qamar Ali Omar, cast his vote at the National Theatre polling station, where hundreds of citizens were also voting.
The President praised the orderly conduct of the election, commending the security arrangements and the effective organization by electoral bodies and political organizations, which enabled residents of the capital to vote freely.
“Direct elections are a critical step toward strengthening democracy, accountability, and genuine public representation,” President Hassan Sheikh said, urging all eligible Banadir residents to seize the historic opportunity and participate actively in shaping transparent leadership and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited several polling stations in the districts of Shangani, Bondhere, and Xamar-Jajab, where he assessed voting procedures, security conditions, and services provided to voters.
The Prime Minister emphasized that maintaining peace, ensuring transparency in the electoral process, and respecting the will of citizens are fundamental pillars for achieving meaningful democracy. He noted that the election represents the realization of a long-held public aspiration and a significant step toward good governance and the restoration of citizens’ democratic rights through direct elections.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama, also took part in the Banadir Local Council elections, fulfilling his civic duty by casting his vote at the Green Hope University polling center in Hodan District, where large crowds of voters were seen lining up to elect their representatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister described the day as the opening of a new and historic chapter, stating that the election restores citizens’ rights through a long-awaited direct vote in which Somali citizens are freely choosing their leaders after many years.
He said the process reflects Somalia’s growing democratic maturity and the increasing role of public participation in shaping the country’s political future. He further called on all registered voters to participate peacefully, while commending security agencies and electoral commissions for their efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and voters throughout the voting process.
The Banadir Local Council elections are widely viewed as a turning point in Somalia’s political transition, signaling renewed momentum toward participatory governance and democratic consolidation in the country.
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Prepared by:
Horn post Staff Reporter
