Friday 26 Dec , 2025 {HMC} Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has announced the start of the vote-counting process following the conclusion of voting in the Banadir Regional Council elections on Thursday evening.

Speaking to national media shortly after polls closed, NIEBC Chairperson Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said voting began at 6:00 a.m. and officially ended at 6:00 p.m., describing the process as calm, orderly, and well-organized across Mogadishu’s districts.

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“The voting process concluded peacefully this evening, and the counting of ballots will now begin,” Abdikarim said. “Observers, representatives of political organizations, civil society groups, and members of the international community will be present throughout the counting process.”
He noted that voter turnout was strong, with participation from all segments of society, including elders, youth, women, and political leaders, who cast their ballots smoothly throughout the day.

The chairperson emphasized that the Electoral Commission is committed to transparency and will provide regular updates to the public as the vote-counting progresses. He added that the process is expected to take a relatively short period of time.

In his remarks, Abdikarim expressed appreciation to the Somali Police Force for maintaining security, as well as election workers, national and independent media, voters, and all stakeholders who contributed to what he described as a successful and credible election.

Approximately 1,605 candidates are contesting 390 seats across Mogadishu’s district councils. Once elected, council members will select the mayor of Mogadishu.

The Banadir Regional Council elections mark the first one-person, one-vote polls held in Mogadishu in more than 50 years, covering all 16 districts of the capital.

Somalia last held direct elections in 1969 excluding the semi-autonomous Puntland region and the breakaway Somaliland months before the military coup led by Mohamed Siad Barre. Following the collapse of his regime in 1991 and years of civil war, the country adopted an indirect electoral system in 2004 to manage clan divisions amid ongoing insecurity.

The Mogadishu vote is widely viewed as a key test for the possible expansion of direct elections at the national level.

SOurce Hiiraan Online

Friday 26 Dec , 2025 {HMC}The Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu has issued an official statement expressing deep gratitude to the residents of the capital following the successful conclusion of voting in the region’s historic local council elections. As polling stations closed across the sixteen districts, the Mayor hailed the day as a triumph for the city’s democratic aspirations, marked by a massive public turnout and a peaceful atmosphere.

In his address, the Governor acknowledged the determination of the Mogadishu electorate, who queued for hours to exercise their constitutional rights. He noted that the high level of participation sends a powerful message about the maturity of the city’s population and their readiness to directly elect their local representatives. The Governor emphasized that the patience and discipline shown by voters were crucial in ensuring the smooth conduct of the “one-person, one-vote” process, a system being implemented for the first time in decades.

A significant portion of the Mayor’s remarks was dedicated to the Somali security forces, whose performance he described as exemplary. He extended specific thanks to the police and other agencies for securing the capital and ensuring the election remained entirely incident-free. The Governor highlighted that the rigorous security plan, involving the deployment of thousands of officers, succeeded in creating a safe environment where citizens could vote without fear or intimidation.

Beyond maintaining order, the Governor praised the security personnel for their compassionate service to the community. He cited numerous instances where officers went beyond the call of duty to assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. This humanitarian approach, he stated, ensured that every segment of society, regardless of physical challenges, was able to participate in this defining moment for the capital. The Mayor concluded that the collaboration between the public and the security forces was the cornerstone of the day’s success.

Source Sonna

Friday 26 Dec , 2025 {HMC}The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, has welcomed the holding of direct elections for the Benadir Regional Council, describing them as a historic milestone and the first of their kind since 1969.

In a statement, Al-Yamahi said the elections represent an important step toward advancing state-building efforts, strengthening democracy and citizenship, and expanding public participation in governance.

He noted that the elections are expected to have a positive domestic impact, particularly by supporting Somalia’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability.

Al-Yamahi also stressed the importance of unity among all political forces, urging them to prioritize the country’s supreme national interests and to adopt dialogue and consensus as the preferred path forward.

The Arab Parliament Speaker reaffirmed the body’s full support for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting security and stability in Somalia, as well as realizing the aspirations of the Somali people for development and prosperity.

Source Sonna