The Somali Electoral Commission on Saturday officially began issuing voting cards in the capital Mogadishu, marking a significant step towards holding local council elections in a city that has long faced conflict, displacement and political uncertainty.
The distribution of cards began smoothly in the districts of Hamarjajab, Waaberi, Shangaani, Xamarweyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz and Shibis, with a crowd of youth, women, elders and people with special needs gathering at designated centers.
“I am a Somali citizen, and this morning I came to collect my card so that my voice can be heard,” said Osman Godax Barre, 55, one of those in line.
Safiya Shire Dahir, who also arrived at the site, said, “I came to collect my card to exercise my right to vote.”
In Shibis district, people with disabilities said that for the first time they feel they are being taken into consideration. Speaking about this, Salah Mohamed, the chairman of the Shibis district Disabled Association, said, “We, as people with special needs, are very happy to be part of the election.”
Oday Mohamud Haaji Goobe, who also arrived at the center early in the morning, said his age did not prevent him from collecting his voter card. “I am old, but I came to collect my card,” he said.
Meanwhile, Safiya Mohamed Ali, the chairwoman of women’s affairs in Shibis district, urged women to collect their cards and use their votes. “The time for denying women’s rights is over—my sisters, do not withhold your votes,” she said.
The process of distributing the cards began calmly and orderly, with people showing their readiness to participate in the upcoming local council elections.
The electoral commission said political parties have until November 25, 2025, as the deadline to submit lists of candidates for district councils, which will be assessed based on the readiness of the many parties and coalitions in Mogadishu.
