Somalia’s electoral commission launches voter registration in Mogadishu amid political dispute

Somalia’s contested National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) on Monday launched voter registration in Mogadishu’s Shangaani district, marking the start of preparations for local council elections scheduled for 30 June across southern and central regions.

The launch was confirmed by NIEC Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan. Mohamed Aamin Hassan Abdullahi, who chairs the Electoral Operations Sub-Committee, described Shangaani as a strategic entry point for voter registration in the Banadir region.

Senior government officials, including the Mayor of Mogadishu, were among the first to register as the exercise began.

The registration drive forms part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s wider push for one-person, one-vote (1P1V) elections, aimed at moving Somalia away from the clan-based power-sharing model that has shaped its political landscape since the central government collapsed in 1991.

Information Minister Daud Aweis welcomed the development, calling it a step towards inclusive politics.

“This voter registration process marks an important shift in Somalia’s political journey. It is a collective effort to restore citizens’ rights and enable them to choose their leaders freely,” he said. “Universal suffrage is a key milestone in rebuilding Somalia’s democracy.”

However, the credibility of the electoral commission remains in question. Several opposition leaders, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, have voiced strong criticism, accusing the President of pushing ahead with the process without national consensus—especially following controversial constitutional amendments.

Puntland state withdrew recognition of the federal government last year in protest at the changes and has since cut off participation in all national-level dialogue. Puntland insists that constitutional reforms must be made through inclusive consultation to prevent further political rifts and instability.

Jubaland is also locked in a political dispute with the federal government following the re-election of Ahmed Mohamed Madobe through an indirect vote. The federal government opposed the move and later deployed troops to Raaskambooni, leading to clashes with Jubaland forces and resulting in casualties on both sides. The incident deepened tensions and cast further doubt on the possibility of holding elections in the region.

Despite these tensions, the federal government is pushing ahead with the electoral process. However, success will depend heavily on securing the cooperation of key political stakeholders, including opposition leaders and federal member state presidents.