MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Federal Government of Somalia’s disputed Electoral Commission has officially launched voter registration efforts in Mogadishu’s Shangani District this morning.
Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, confirmed that this marks the beginning of a wider initiative, with plans to expand registration to other districts in the near future.
Government employees, officials including cabinet ministers, soldiers, and political loyalists were seen lining up at a government building serving as a registration center in Shangani.
This move comes as part of the government’s controversial plan to hold direct, in-person elections—a plan strongly opposed by both the political opposition and certain regional states.
Last week, Mohamed Ahmed Yabooh, the Deputy Commissioner of Security for the Banadir Regional Administration, revealed that although elections were initially scheduled to take place in 20 districts, only 9 are currently prepared to proceed.
“A total of 163 polling locations were planned across the country, but that number has now been revised. Only 9 districts are currently ready, and the rest will be included once they meet the necessary requirements,” said Yabooh.
This registration drive stems from recent amendments to Somalia’s federal constitution, which paved the way for the creation of the current Electoral Commission. However, the constitutional changes have been rejected by key regional administrations, including Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as several opposition leaders and former presidents.
Adding to the complications, international support for the commission has waned due to ongoing political disagreements and the continued delay of the National Consultative Forum, a key platform for political dialogue in Somalia.
With just one year remaining in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term, critics worry the timing and manner of the voter registration process could be part of a broader attempt to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming election cycle.