The Commission’s Chairperson, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, described the launch as a significant step forward, noting that other districts will follow in the coming days.

“I am pleased to announce the official start of voter registration,” Abdikarim told reporters.

The registration site, located inside a government facility in Shangaani, saw long queues, mostly made up of civil servants, soldiers, and government officials, including some ministers.

This move comes amid deepening political rifts in Somalia.

The voter registration process is part of a broader plan by the federal government which they claim to implement a controversial elections despite strongly opposed by political opposition groups and some federal member states who believe it as an attempt to extend president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term.

Last week, Banadir’s Deputy Governor for Security, Mohamed Ahmed Yabooh, revealed that although the original plan included 20 districts, only nine are currently ready to carry out the registration process.

“A total of 163 polling sites were planned across the country, but the current phase will only proceed in the nine districts that are prepared. The rest will follow once they’re ready,” said Yabooh.

#MOGADISHU: Somali government officials have announced the commencement of voter registration in Shangaani district, Mogadishu, as part of a widely debated electoral process.

Although the registration was initially planned to cover 20 districts, the Banadir Regional… pic.twitter.com/d4dIU7DPXv

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 15, 2025

The registration process is linked to recent constitutional amendments passed by the federal government, which also led to the formation of the new electoral commission.

However, the changes have been rejected by Puntland and Jubbaland states, as well as opposition politicians, including former leaders.

The international community has also expressed concern, withholding full support for the commission due to fears that the political impasse may further destabilize the country.

The National Consultative Council, which was meant to oversee the election process, has not convened in months due to the withdrawal of two key federal member states — Puntland and Jubaland — both of which do not recognize the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu.

Additionally, opposition groups in Mogadishu have rejected the unilateral electoral process and strongly criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s controversial constitutional amendments passed last year.

With just one year remaining in President Mohamud’s term, critics fear that the voter registration efforts launched solely by the federal government may be part of a broader strategy to extend his time in office.

The post Somalia’s Disputed Electoral Commission Launches Voter Registration in Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.

The announcement was made by Senator Abdullahi Ismail Fartag, Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, who is currently in the Gedo region holding meetings with clan elders, politicians, and security forces.

Tensions between the Federal Government and Jubaland authorities have been running high.

Earlier this month, Jubaland forces defeated Somali government troops in a confrontation in Raaskaambooni, and clashes were also reported in the Gedo region, which borders Ethiopia.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, Minister Fartag stated that the Federal Government is committed to holding elections administered by Mogadishu in Kismayo and six other cities within Jubaland, including Gedo, where the situation remains tense.

“We will ensure that a one-person, one-vote election takes place in Jubaland. That is what Ahmed Madobe does not want,” Fartag declared during a speech in Garbaharey, the regional capital of Gedo.

Last month, Jubaland held its state-level election in Kismayo, re-electing President Ahmed Madobe for another five-year term. It remains unclear how the Federal Government plans to implement its election amidst the current political and security challenges.

The post Somalia Government Pushes Ahead with Controversial Election Plan in Jubaland appeared first on Kaab TV.

MP Barre highlighted that Somalia is preparing to transition from clan-based elder selection for political representation to a democratic process where citizens will vote to elect their representatives.

He made these remarks while addressing a forum organized by the Gobsoor Youth group in Mogadishu.

The post Somali Youth Minister Tells Youth to Serve as Foundation for Fostering New Political Leaders appeared first on Kaab TV.