Friday May 16, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The Chairman of Somalia's National Electoral Commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, announced on Thursday a one-month extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region.
Speaking at a press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Mogadishu, Abdikarin said the extension was necessary due to delays in the registration campaign's rollout across Mogadishu's districts. He emphasized the need to give more time to citizens who have not yet registered.
"We have extended the campaign for the registration of the people living in the districts of the Banadir region by one month. This extension came after the registration did not start immediately in the districts of Mogadishu. We realized that the public should be given another opportunity to register," said Abdikarin.
The Chairman also revealed that 30 political organizations have been officially registered to participate in the national elections. However, he acknowledged that many opposition parties have not registered*, citing concerns over lack of transparency and inclusivity in the federal government's electoral process.
Looking ahead, Abdikarin announced that voter registration will soon expand to other parts of the country, including Hirshabelle, Southwest, Galmudug, SSC-Khaatumo, and the Gedo region under Jubbaland. Preparations are underway to deliver the necessary equipment to the respective regional administration centers.
"We will soon deliver the equipment to the regional administration centers of Hirshabelle, Southwest, Galmudug, and Gedo region under Jubbaland, where voter registration for local councils will also begin," Abdikarin stated.
The extension in Banadir comes amid concerns about inclusivity, logistical delays, and limited public awareness. While the campaign is actively ongoing in most districts of Mogadishu, the delay in launching the process uniformly has led to criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations.
The developments come at a politically sensitive time in Somalia, as federal institutions face scrutiny over election readiness, the dismantling of the National Consultative Forum, and questions about fairness and representation in the electoral process.