MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Residents of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, are set to participate in a historic local election on Thursday, which will be the country's first one-person, one-vote election since 1969. This significant event marks a notable departure from the traditional clan-based power-sharing negotiations that have dominated Somalia's political landscape for decades. Analysts emphasize that the election is a step towards creating a more inclusive governance structure.
The election is for local council members across Mogadishu's 16 districts and is organized by the Somali federal government, though it has been met with rejection from opposition parties. These groups describe the election process as flawed and biased. Historically, Somalia has selected local council members and parliamentarians through clan-based negotiations, with clan leaders ultimately electing a president. Various administrations have pledged since 2016 to reinstate one-person, one-vote elections, but ongoing security issues and internal disputes have continuously delayed these efforts.
This election represents the first major voting initiative overseen by Somalia's National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, with around 20 political parties fielding candidates. Notably, this election will not determine the mayor of Mogadishu, who also functions as the governor of the Banadir region, as that position remains appointed. The constitutional status of the capital requires a national consensus that appears increasingly unlikely due to escalating political tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the leaders of Jubaland and Puntland regarding constitutional reforms.
The electoral commission has registered over 900,000 voters from the central region across 523 polling stations. Due to the persistent threat posed by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militant group, which frequently conducts deadly attacks in Mogadishu, security measures have been substantially heightened ahead of the elections.
Analysts view the Mogadishu vote as the most concrete attempt yet to transition Somalia away from its longstanding clan-based power-sharing system. Mohamed Husein Gaas, the founding director of the Raad Peace Research Institute, noted, "Mogadishu has demonstrated that local elections are technically feasible." By moving forward with these elections, the federal government empowers citizens, promoting accountability and progress toward a more inclusive and legitimate state.
Furthermore, Gaas suggested that plans to expand direct elections to federal member states and eventually to a national level reflect a gradual approach aimed at balancing security, political inclusion, and development. He asserted, "The process signals a commitment to building a durable Somali state grounded in democracy, public trust, national cohesion, and long-term stability."
Excitement among residents is palpable, particularly among first-time voters. Farhiyo Mohamed expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This is something I have never seen before, since I was born: such an election happening before my own eyes and to take part in a universal election like this."
Conversely, opposition parties contend that moving away from negotiated, clan-based arrangements without a consensus could jeopardize Somalia's fragile federal structure. The elections, which have been postponed three times this year, have sparked stark criticism from opposition leaders. They accuse the government of using the electoral process to solidify its power and potentially extend the president's term, which is set to conclude in 2026 — an allegation that government officials deny.
