Somalia extends registration deadline for political parties ahead of June elections
The extension comes as the country moves toward holding its first one-person, one-vote local elections in over five decades. The elections are scheduled to take place in late June 2025.
The National Independent Electoral Commission of Somalia has extended the registration deadline for political associations by an additional nine days.
The extension comes as the country moves toward holding its first one-person, one-vote local elections in over five decades. The elections are scheduled to take place in late June 2025.
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The Commission’s Chairperson, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, announced that the revised registration period will now run from April 22 to April 30, 2025.
This marks the second time the Commission has granted an extension, following earlier delays. The decision was made to provide more time for political groups to submit necessary documentation and complete the registration process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission noted that the move was prompted by the slow pace of current registrations. It also cited formal appeals from political associations that requested more time to fulfil the necessary legal and procedural obligations.
The statement added that the Commission’s goal is to ensure inclusive participation and to provide all qualifying associations a genuine chance to take part in the electoral process.
"We are committed to providing equitable access to the process and ensuring that all political associations meeting the requirements have a chance to participate," read part of the statement.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, announced that the revised registration period will now run from April 22 to April 30, 2025.
The elections are being closely watched as a significant step in Somalia’s political development.
The country has not held direct local elections with one-person, one-vote principles since the 1960s. Previous political processes have relied on indirect voting and clan-based power-sharing arrangements.
While preparations for the elections are ongoing, voter registration efforts have already begun in Mogadishu. Thousands of residents in the capital have received voter identification cards since the registration exercise started last week.
The process is being conducted in several key districts, including Hamarweyne, Shangani, Boondheere, and Shibis.
Electoral officials are overseeing the registration in coordination with local authorities to facilitate access and manage turnout.
Despite progress in voter and party registration, the electoral process has not been free from controversy. Several opposition figures and political leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland have expressed criticism of the federal government’s approach.
They allege that the government is moving forward with the elections without securing a broad political consensus or ensuring that necessary institutions are fully prepared.
These leaders argue that the process lacks transparency and that critical components such as legal frameworks, security guarantees, and administrative readiness have not been sufficiently addressed.
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