The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accompanied by First Lady Qamar Ali Omar, cast their ballots on Thursday at the National Theatre polling station in Mogadishu, as residents of the capital voted in direct local council elections for the Banadir Region.
The vote marked another milestone in Somalia’s first direct local elections in more than five decades, as the country moves away from its long-standing clan-based political system.
At the polling station, the president and first lady were seen alongside hundreds of citizens voting, as security forces maintained tight controls across the capital. Authorities had imposed movement restrictions and deployed thousands of security personnel to safeguard the election process.
Presidential Remarks After Voting
After casting his ballot and displaying his ink-stained finger, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the vote as a turning point in Somalia’s political history.
“Today is a different day — a new chapter in Somali history,” the president said. He added that Somalia had moved onto “a page of peace, democracy, and freely chosen leadership,” describing the election as the beginning of a new political path.
The president also praised the organization of the vote, citing security arrangements and coordination by political associations that allowed residents of the capital to cast their ballots.
Call for Political Dialogue
When asked about a message to opposition groups that have boycotted the election, President Mohamud framed the vote as a shared national step forward and emphasized the importance of dialogue and compromise.
“To all Somali people — both those in opposition and those in government — this is Somalia’s future,” he said, adding that the government was ready to engage with those who have concerns.
He said the country’s political future depends on dialogue, cooperation, and inclusivity, stressing the goal of achieving stable politics, security, and governance.
Broader Political Context
The Banadir local council elections are widely seen as a test case ahead of national elections planned for 2026. While the federal government has promoted the vote as a step toward universal suffrage, prominent opposition figures and some federal member states have rejected the process, arguing that it lacks broad political consensus.
Despite those objections, voter turnout in parts of Mogadishu appeared strong, with residents participating amid heightened security.
Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, before a military coup ended civilian rule. Since then, decades of conflict and political instability have shaped a governance system that relied on indirect selection of leaders.
The Mogadishu vote represents one of the most visible efforts in years to restore direct public participation in the country’s political process, even as debates continue over the path forward.
