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The Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, held a key meeting on Thursday with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC), Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan. The meeting aimed to improve cooperation in Mogadishu’s ongoing voter registration campaign, which is part of Somalia’s journey toward its long-awaited One-Person, One-Vote election.
The two leaders met at the Hamar Municipal Government offices in Mogadishu. Their main focus was on how to fast-track preparations for the upcoming election. This vote is expected to be a major moment in Somalia’s democratic process, allowing every eligible citizen to cast their ballot directly for the first time in many years.
Governor Muungaab pledged full support from the Banadir Regional Administration to the Electoral Commission. He promised that his office would assist with setting up registration centers, raising public awareness, and preparing polling stations to ensure the process runs smoothly.
“We are committed to supporting the electoral process in every way,” said Muungaab. “Our teams are ready to help with voter registration, educate the public on the importance of voting, and make sure polling centers are ready for use.”
In response, Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan praised the Governor’s dedication to the election process. He said the cooperation from the Banadir leadership is a sign of political maturity and reflects the will of the people of Mogadishu.
“It is very encouraging to see the Governor fully behind this national effort,” said Abdikarim. “His leadership shows a deep understanding of the importance of democratic participation, and it sends a strong message to all citizens that their voice matters.”
Since taking office, Muungaab has made improving voter registration a top priority. As a result, the campaign in Mogadishu has picked up speed, with thousands of residents already signing up to vote. Officials expect this momentum to continue in the coming days, with millions more registering before election day.
This progress is a key part of Somalia’s broader electoral roadmap. The shift to a One-Person, One-Vote system is seen as a critical step in strengthening democracy in the country. For many Somalis, this election represents a chance to choose leaders who represent their interests and bring lasting peace and development.
The Electoral Commission has been working across the country to ensure the process is fair, inclusive, and secure. But challenges remain, including security risks and logistical issues in some areas. That’s why cooperation from regional governments, like Banadir, is so important.
By joining forces, national and local leaders hope to build trust in the electoral system and encourage more people to take part. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out to educate citizens about the voting process and the value of participating in elections.
As voter registration continues, both Governor Muungaab and Chairman Abdikarim urged all eligible citizens in Mogadishu to register and make their voices heard. They emphasized that this is not just a political event, but a national milestone that will shape Somalia’s future.
With strong leadership and public engagement, Mogadishu is showing that democratic progress is possible — even in challenging circumstances. The success of this campaign could set an example for other regions in Somalia and bring the country one step closer to a fully representative government.