Historic Local Elections in Mogadishu: Progress Amid Information Challenges

Historic Local Elections in Mogadishu: Progress Amid Information Challenges

Somalia marked a historic political moment as Mogadishu held its first direct local council elections in nearly six decades. The Banadir local council vote, conducted on December 25, 2025, represented a major step forward in the country’s democratic transition, signaling the capital’s return to participatory local governance after years of indirect political processes.

According to a comprehensive report released by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the elections were peaceful, orderly, and free from election-related violence. Extensive security measures were put in place, including the deployment of nearly 10,000 security personnel and a temporary citywide lockdown on election day. Despite these restrictions, polling proceeded smoothly across Mogadishu’s 16 districts, and no attacks on journalists or media outlets were recorded.

A total of 1,604 candidates competed for 390 seats, reflecting strong political engagement and public interest. NUSOJ observers reported that most polling stations opened on time, queues were manageable, and the voting process was efficient, taking only a few minutes per voter. For much of Somalia’s population, this was the first peaceful direct election they had ever experienced.

However, the report highlighted serious concerns regarding misinformation and political bias in election coverage. While private media outlets generally demonstrated professionalism, balance, and adherence to an agreed code of conduct, state media were criticized for favoring institutional messaging and providing disproportionate coverage to the ruling Justice and Solidarity Party. This imbalance limited equal access for opposition candidates and weakened public trust.

Radio remained the most influential source of election information, reaching more than half of the population, followed by television and online platforms. Social media, while less dominant, played a significant role in spreading false and misleading narratives, particularly after voting concluded. Disinformation surged sharply post-election, fueling polarization and undermining confidence in the results.

NUSOJ emphasized that misinformation was spread by a wide range of actors, including government-aligned communicators, opposition figures, and members of the public, often amplified by algorithms and accounts operating outside Somalia. The exploitation of clan identity to discredit the electoral process was also noted as a dangerous trend.

Despite these challenges, NUSOJ concluded that the Banadir elections were encouragingly successful and provided a strong foundation for future democratic exercises. The union stressed that Somalia’s path toward broader national elections will depend not only on peaceful voting but also on media freedom, equitable political access, transparent communication, and robust mechanisms to counter disinformation. As Somalia looks ahead, the Mogadishu vote stands as both an achievement and a reminder of the work still required to safeguard democratic trust.