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 session was tense, with opposition and pro-government lawmakers exchanging heated words outside the parliamentary hall.

However, Speaker Aden Madobe did not address the reasons behind the extended postponement.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Madobe outlined three main priorities for the parliament: Continuation of the constitutional review process, Completion of pending bills from the previous parliamentary session, and Government accountability.

Notably, there was no mention of the electoral process being pushed by President Mohamud’s administration, a topic that has sparked intense debate.

During the session, Madobe praised the British parliamentary system, sharing his experience of witnessing UK lawmakers scrutinize the Prime Minister.

“I hope one day we will see such a system in our parliament,” he remarked, as cameras turned to President Mohamud, who appeared to be paying close attention.

President Pushes Ahead With Controversial Election Plan

In his speech, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shifted focus to his administration’s push for a one-person, one-vote election, despite widespread opposition.

“The election is a reality, and it will happen,” he declared, though he provided no timeline for implementation. However, he acknowledged that completing the constitutional review was a prerequisite for holding elections.

“The country must have a finalized and complete constitution,” he told lawmakers, indirectly linking the stalled legal framework to the electoral process.

Security Concerns and Financial Constraints

Security remains a major challenge, with Al-Shabaab militants recently seizing key towns in the Middle Shabelle region.

While President Mohamud admitted to the worsening security situation, he avoided mentioning the specific towns captured by the insurgents.

On the financial front, Mohamud revealed that despite initial government funding, the electoral commission still lacks the necessary resources to function effectively.

The commission, formed last year, has not been fully endorsed by regional states, and opposition groups refuse to recognize it.

The opposition party Himilo Qaran, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, dismissed Mohamud’s electoral proposal, insisting that any future election must follow the previous model, which was endorsed by all stakeholders.

MP Abdirashid Hidig echoed this sentiment, stating, “On May 15, 2026, we expect to have an election process accepted by all. That means returning to the selection model used in previous elections at the airport hall.”

As political divisions deepen, Somalia’s path to the next elections remains uncertain, with growing resistance to President Mohamud’s push for a unilateral electoral process.

The post Somalia Parliament Resumes: President Insists on Unilateral Election Amid Opposition appeared first on Kaab TV.