Somalia is moving closer to holding its district-level elections as the National Electoral Commission (NEC) prepares to distribute voter identification cards to residents of the Banadir region next week.
The distribution will begin in Mogadishu, where citizens registered to vote will collect their cards at specified centres. This marks a crucial step in ensuring that eligible voters can take part in the democratic process.
Addressing the media in the capital, NEC Chairperson Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan said voters will be informed in advance about when and where to collect their cards. He highlighted that the Commission has designed a clear system to guide each registered voter through the process.
“A message will be sent to everyone, and they are requested to go to the place where they registered to collect their card to vote,” Abdikarin said.
The first stage of the rollout will cover coastal districts, including Xamar Weyne, Shingani, Boondheere, Xamar Jajab, Waaberi, Shibis, and Abdiaziz.
The Commission chose these areas because all necessary preparations have been completed. Across these districts, 42 voter card distribution centres have been set up to make it easier for residents to access their cards.
Once the initial phase concludes, the NEC plans to extend the distribution to other districts in Banadir.
Local authorities are working closely with the Commission to ensure that the exercise is transparent, accessible, and widely communicated. Officials said the process is intended to build public trust and encourage maximum participation in the upcoming elections.
Data released by the NEC shows that over 900,000 residents of Banadir have registered to vote. According to the Commission, this reflects growing confidence in Somalia’s democratic institutions and the increasing willingness of citizens to engage in the political process.
The Somali government has described the district-level elections as a key step in building a more inclusive and accountable political system. Officials stress that the elections will be conducted according to national laws and international standards, forming part of a long-term strategy to establish universal suffrage.
Universal suffrage, which guarantees every adult citizen the right to vote regardless of gender, clan, or social status, represents a major shift from the clan-based model that has shaped Somali politics for decades.
By giving citizens direct influence over leadership, the government aims to enhance accountability and promote fair representation.
Experts say the move toward universal suffrage is central to Somalia’s efforts to strengthen national unity and political stability. Allowing every citizen to participate equally in elections is expected to reduce divisions, foster inclusion, and support the development of a credible, representative democracy.
