Somalia starts voter registration for first one-person-one-vote poll in over 50 years

Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan who said voter registration will begin on April 15, 2025. (Photo: NIEBC Somalia)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, April 13, 2025

The electoral commission said it has completed all logistical preparations for the upcoming elections, including the provision of election materials and the designation of polling stations across the country.

Somalia will launch its nationwide voter registration on April 15, 2025, as the country prepares to hold its first one-person-one-vote elections in more than 50 years.

The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) confirmed on Sunday that all preparations had been finalised to kick off the voter registration for the upcoming local council elections scheduled to begin on June 30.

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Speaking during the official unveiling of electoral equipment in Mogadishu, NIEB Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said the commission was ready to begin the process, starting with the Banadir region, which includes the capital, Mogadishu.

“The public will begin heading to voter registration centres on the 15th of this month,” Abdikarim said.

He explained that the exercise would commence in Shangaani district before progressing to Shibis, Hamarweyne, and other districts within Banadir, followed by a nationwide rollout.

“The registration will begin in the Banadir region, first in Shangaani district, then in Shibis, Hamarweyne and other districts, and then in all regions of the country,” he said.

He added that NIEB had completed all logistical preparations for the electoral exercise, including the provision of election materials and the designation of polling stations across the country.

Abdikarim added that the commission had completed all logistical preparations for the electoral exercise, including the provision of election materials and the designation of polling stations countrywide.

The voter registration marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s political transition, aligning with the leadership’s push to implement a universal suffrage model.

The shift toward a one-person-one-vote system has faced some resistance from sections of the political class but is seen as a major reform in the country’s governance.

“Today we are unveiling the equipment that we want to use in the elections, presenting it to the Somali people and the international community. We want the equipment to be examined and a general report to be issued,” Abdikarim said, emphasising the commission’s commitment to transparency.

Also in attendance was the Banadir Governor and the mayor of Mogadishu, Mohamed Ahmed Amiir, who expressed his commitment to ensuring full participation from residents of the Banadir region.

“I will lead the people of Banadir region to register and head to the polling stations,” Mayor Amiir said.

The registration drive is a crucial step in the lead-up to the June elections, with the electoral body reiterating its dedication to inclusivity and a transparent voting process.