Historic local elections in Mogadishu

December 25, 2025 / 11:10 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Somalia held its first direct local elections in Mogadishu in nearly 60 years, with tight security and 10,000 personnel deployed. The city airport was closed, and long queues formed at polling stations, though turnout dropped by early afternoon.

Over 1,600 candidates contested 390 local council seats in the Banadir region. Election commission chief Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan reported that all stations closed without incident, with counting to begin soon.

Political context and opposition boycott

The elections mark a shift from Somalia’s clan-based system, abolished under Siad Barre in 1969. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called the vote "the future of the Somali people," but the opposition Somali Future coalition boycotted the ballot, accusing the government of centralising power and extending the president’s mandate.

Security challenges and regional comparisons

While security in Mogadishu has improved, fighting persists nearby. Direct elections have been held in Somaliland and Puntland, though both regions face unique political challenges. Analysts warn that failing to reach an inclusive electoral agreement could trigger violence similar to the 2021 election crisis.