Mogadishu Gears Up for Historic Local Council Elections Under Tight Security
Somalia is preparing for a major democratic milestone as Mogadishu gets ready to hold local council elections on December 25, backed by extensive security measures across the capital. Somali security agencies have confirmed that nearly 10,000 police officers are fully prepared to safeguard the electoral process, marking a significant step toward stability and democratic governance.
The Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Farataag), announced that the Somali Police Force has completed comprehensive security plans to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully, safely, and fairly. According to the minister, protecting civilians, polling stations, election workers, and vital infrastructure remains the top priority throughout the voting period.
Police forces will be deployed across all districts of Mogadishu, with intensified patrols, reinforced checkpoints, and enhanced intelligence coordination to prevent any attempts to disrupt the process. These measures come amid ongoing threats from armed groups seeking to undermine Somalia’s democratic progress.
The upcoming elections are particularly historic, as they represent the first direct one-person, one-vote (OPV) local council elections in Mogadishu in more than five decades. Many observers see the vote as a turning point in restoring public trust in governance and empowering citizens to directly choose their local representatives.
In parallel, the National Independent Electoral Commission has announced that nearly 5,000 election workers will be deployed across polling stations in the Banadir region. The commission’s chairman, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, stated that the election staff—most of whom are young Somalis—have undergone extensive training in election administration, voter rights, polling procedures, and professional responsibilities.
He emphasized that well-trained election workers are essential to ensuring transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the electoral process. “The Banadir election holds particular importance and can significantly shape Somalia’s democratic trajectory,” he noted.
As Mogadishu prepares for election day, the combination of strong security planning and trained electoral staff reflects Somalia’s determination to move forward despite persistent challenges. The December 25 vote is widely seen as a critical test of the country’s ability to conduct credible, secure, and inclusive elections—laying the foundation for a more democratic future.
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