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Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission has denied claims that people in Mogadishu are being forced to collect voter cards or risk being arrested. These accusations have been spreading on social media, causing concern among the public.
The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, made a public statement rejecting the rumors. He said that the information being shared is not true and is meant to mislead the public. He stressed that registering to vote is completely voluntary and no one is being forced to take part.
“These are false and misleading claims being spread online,” said Chairman Abdikarim. “Voting is a right protected by our constitution. It is also a personal decision. No one should feel pressured or forced to collect a voter card.”
The chairman encouraged people to get information from official government channels and not to trust rumors or unverified reports on social media. He also asked the public to report anyone pretending to be from the Electoral Commission or trying to mislead people about the registration process.
The Electoral Commission’s response comes after some opposition groups accused the federal government of forcing residents to register as voters. These accusations began surfacing as voter registration continues in Mogadishu. The registration process started early last month and thousands of citizens have already registered for the upcoming local elections.
Despite the political tension, the Electoral Commission says it is working hard to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and open to everyone. They have promised to maintain a transparent and honest process so that all eligible citizens can take part if they choose to.
Chairman Abdikarim reassured the public that the goal of the Commission is to make the voting process simple and accessible. He added that the Commission is not working with any political group and is fully independent in how it carries out its duties.
“Our mission is to help citizens take part in elections fairly and freely,” Abdikarim said. “We are not influenced by political pressure, and we are committed to doing things the right way.”
He also reminded citizens that voter registration is an important step in shaping the future of the country. However, it must be done without fear or pressure. Everyone has the right to choose whether or not they want to vote, and that choice should be respected.
The Electoral Commission is continuing with voter registration activities in Mogadishu and other parts of the country in preparation for the local elections. Officials say they are providing support and information to help people understand the registration process, especially in areas where there may be confusion or low awareness.
Chairman Abdikarim urged citizens to be cautious and not fall for false information online. He warned that spreading lies about the election process can create fear and damage the country’s efforts toward democracy.
“If anyone sees suspicious activity or individuals pretending to be part of the Commission, they should report it immediately,” he said.
As the voter registration process continues, the Commission is calling on everyone to stay calm, trust official sources, and take part in building a peaceful and democratic Somalia.