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Somalia has taken another major step toward long-awaited local elections in Mogadishu, as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the headquarters of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) on Saturday. His visit coincided with the official start of voter card distribution in the capital, a milestone many residents have been anticipating for decades.
The launch marks a significant moment for Mogadishu, a city that has endured years of conflict, instability, and disrupted political processes. For most residents, taking part in district-level elections has never been an option. Now, with voter card distribution underway, the city is moving closer to holding local elections that could reshape how communities are represented and how decisions are made at the district level.
During his tour of the commission’s offices, Prime Minister Barre encouraged all eligible citizens to collect their voter cards and actively participate in the elections. He stressed that voting is not just a civic duty, but a constitutional right that many Somalis have been unable to exercise for generations. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to influence the future direction of the city and strengthen democratic practices.
“I call upon all Somalis who registered to collect their card, cast their vote, and show the constitutional power that was denied to them for many years,” he said. His message underlined both the excitement around the process and the government’s determination to ensure every eligible voter is included.
Barre also praised the electoral commission and the country’s security agencies, noting that their months of preparation and coordination were essential to making this step possible. He described their efforts as disciplined, professional, and foundational to building trust in the electoral process. In a region where insecurity has frequently disrupted civic activities, these preparations have helped create a more stable environment for democratic participation.
The start of voter card distribution in the Banadir Region has been described as a historic moment. For Mogadishu’s residents, it represents the opening of a new chapter—one in which they will soon choose local representatives for the first time in a generation. This opportunity is seen as an important part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening governance, deepening political participation, and giving communities a stronger voice in local affairs.
Distribution is already underway across several key districts in Mogadishu, including Hamar-Jajab, Waberi, Shangani, Hamar-Weyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz, and Shibis. Early turnout was steady, with residents showing strong interest in securing their voter cards. Many expressed optimism about finally taking part in a democratic process that has been out of reach for so long.
Meanwhile, the electoral commission has announced that political organizations have until November 25, 2025, to submit their lists of district council candidates. This deadline is expected to push political parties and alliances to finalize their preparations, identify strong candidates, and mobilize support ahead of the vote. The upcoming elections are widely seen as a test of both political readiness and public enthusiasm, as Mogadishu prepares for one of its most significant political events in years.
As distribution continues and election preparations intensify, the moment carries great symbolic value for Somalia. For many citizens, this is more than a technical step in an electoral process—it is a sign of progress, stability, and renewed hope in democratic participation. The coming months will determine how smoothly the process advances, but for now, the beginning of voter card issuance marks a meaningful step forward for Mogadishu and its people.