Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission announced on Sunday that nearly one million citizens have registered to vote in the Benadir region, marking a significant milestone ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
According to the Commission, a total of 923,220 voters registered through 56 voter registration centers set up across the region’s 16 districts, as part of efforts to ensure broad and inclusive participation.
“The registration process in Benadir has been smooth, and the turnout demonstrates the growing public interest in shaping the country’s future,” said Commission Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed, who confirmed that elections are scheduled to take place next month.
Chairman Ahmed also urged authorities to allow political organizations to campaign freely and transparently in the lead-up to the vote.
Despite the progress, the electoral process faces significant challenges.
Opposition parties and two federal member states, Puntland and Jubbaland, have announced they will boycott the elections, accusing the federal government of managing the process unilaterally and disregarding consensus-based electoral principles.
The upcoming election is seen as a critical test for Somalia’s democratic development, as the country works to expand political participation and strengthen national institutions.