In a nationally televised address, President Mohamud said the elections represent a defining moment in the restoration of Somali governance and statehood.

He noted that the introduction of direct voting reflects both improved security conditions in the capital and a decisive shift away from provisional political arrangements toward democratic legitimacy.

“The election is a clear indication of the return of governance and the improved security situation in Mogadishu,” the President said. He urged all eligible citizens with voter cards to exercise their constitutional right without fear or hesitation, emphasizing that the power to choose local representatives now firmly rests with the people.

President Mohamud underscored that participation in the vote is essential to shaping the future of Mogadishu’s districts, describing voting not only as a civic duty but also as a symbol of Somalia’s resilience and steady progress after decades of conflict.

He added that the elections are about more than filling local administrative posts, stressing that they are central to strengthening the democratic foundations of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The President assured the public that extensive security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful and orderly voting process across the capital.

His remarks came as security preparations intensified, with thousands of police officers deployed throughout Mogadishu. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) had earlier confirmed that all logistical arrangements were in place.

The first one-person, one-vote local council elections in Mogadishu in more than 50 years began on Thursday morning at polling stations across the capital’s 16 districts.

The vote is taking place amid strong opposition from Somalia’s main opposition coalition, the Somali Salvation Forum, which has rejected the process as neither free nor fair and accused the government of engineering a one-sided, one-party election.

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Former Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire, stated that the planned election is tilted toward one side and is not based on a constitutional framework or a proper democratic process.

Khaire explained that initially 61 political organizations had registered to participate, but fewer than 20 now remain after the others realized that the election is a special arrangement designed to serve a single party.

“Anyone who participated in good faith came to understand that this is not an open competition, but a one-party system. Those who remain and attempt to express their views or speak the truth face intimidation and arrest,” said Hassan Ali Khaire. He also accused the election commission of serving the presidency and lacking independence.

Meanwhile, former President of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said that the status of the capital city, Mogadishu, is far greater than what he described as a “grabbed” election that lacks consensus.

Sheikh Sharif noted that a genuine election can only take place when people with differing views agree on the process, whereas what is currently underway is an election driven by a single group.

He further warned that the election could lead to political clashes, social and clan divisions, and result in an election whose outcome would not be accepted.

He added that the time, power, and financial resources spent on this election should have been directed toward more appropriate matters that serve the national interest.

Finally, the National Salvation Council stated that what is happening in Mogadishu is not a legitimate election, but one driven by a specific agenda and linked to a term extension. They stressed that this is completely unacceptable, as the constitutional term of the government is four years.

The post National Salvation Council: “The Banadir Regional Council Election Is a One-Party, Pre-Arranged Process” appeared first on Kaab TV.

The city is under lockdown, with roads, businesses, educational institutions, and key economic facilities—including the airport and seaport—closed due to the public election. Only authorized service vehicles are operating.

Security has been significantly tightened. Senior officials of the Federal Government have urged citizens to cast their votes, describing the election as a rare opportunity coming 58 years after the last such vote.

The Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, called on voters to follow proper voting procedures and stated that the election is free and fair.

Districts have been divided into two categories, A and B. Category A districts—Hodan, Yaqshid, Dayniile, Karaan, Dharkeenley, Wadajir, Heliwaa, Hawlwadaag, and Warta Nabadda—will each elect 27 council members, in accordance with the electoral law.

Category B districts—Waaberi, Shibis, Xamar-Jajab, Boondheere, Xamar-Weyne, Cabdicasiis, and Shangaani—will each elect 21 council members.

The election is being contested by 20 political organizations, which have been campaigning across Mogadishu in recent days to win voters’ support.

According to the National Electoral Commission, voting is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 p.m. this evening.

The post Mogadishu Residents Turn Out for Controversial One Person, One Vote Election After 58 Years appeared first on Kaab TV.

However, the elections are facing serious disputes and strong disagreements, with many complaints about how the process is being conducted.

Some people believe that the elections are being driven by the outgoing president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term is nearing its end.

Role of the media in Mogadishu

Hussein Mohamed, a journalist who writes for The New York Times and a political analyst specializing in Somali affairs, has stated that there is widespread confusion surrounding how the elections in Mogadishu are being organized.

Among the most contested issues is the electoral commission, which opposition groups claim is biased toward one side. There are also many allegations regarding how members were selected from the president’s party, known as the JSP.

The president has only about four months remaining in his term, a situation that could push the country into political instability, especially since the electoral framework in Somalia remains unclear.

Hussein Mohamed also said that people have been forced to obtain voter cards. He explained: “This happened to me personally.

While I was traveling, my vehicle was stopped and I was required to get a card.” He added that such actions create serious problems and raise doubts about how people can trust the electoral process.

Residents of Mogadishu are increasingly concerned about the way things are unfolding, which undermines the possibility of holding an election in Somalia that is widely accepted and agreed upon by all sides.

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This meeting was initially announced by president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A brief statement published on the official Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia announced the postponement, citing internal consultations among national leaders as the reason for the delay.

“The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was scheduled to officially begin in Mogadishu tomorrow, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 5, 2025, following consultations among the country’s leaders,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the postponement aims to allow more time for further dialogue on key issues to ensure unified outcomes that serve the interests of the Somali people and nation.

Some federal government sources told Kaab TV that the meeting was delayed partly due to pressure from the Puntland State House and Jubbaland, who insisted that the talks be relocated to Garowe — a proposal strongly opposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

International partners, who recently met with President Hassan Sheikh, have reportedly urged him to compromise for the sake of national unity, as the NCC summit has not convened since October 2024.

The last NCC meeting was held in October 2024, but a political dispute disrupted the session, leading President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland to withdraw and abruptly depart from Mogadishu.

The ongoing tensions between President Hassan Sheikh and federal member states have overshadowed preparations for the meeting and negatively impacted joint military operations against Al-Shabaab.

The growing political fragmentation continues to hinder Somalia’s path toward peace and reconciliation.

It remains unclear whether the rescheduled meeting will indeed take place on May 5, as previous attempts have also been postponed multiple times.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has only a year left in office, yet the type of election the country will hold has not been agreed upon.

Despite this, the federal government is moving ahead with its controversial unilateral electoral process without the approval of regional states and other political stakeholders.

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