The Governor of Banaadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, has called on all residents of the capital to collect their voter cards in preparation for the highly anticipated local council elections set to take place on December 25. Speaking during a public address, Muungaab emphasized that the voter card is the only document that will allow citizens to cast their ballots on election day, urging everyone who previously completed voter registration to finalize the process.
Muungaab noted that thousands of residents have already obtained their registration certificates, but stressed that holding the actual voter card is a mandatory requirement for participation. “Qof kasta oo haysta shahaadada is-diiwaan-gelinta waxaan ugu baaqayaa inuu qaato kaarka codbixinta, si uu 25-ka bishan u gudato waajibiisa codbixineed. Guddiga Doorashada iyo ururrada siyaasaddana waxaan u fududeyn doonaa dhammaan howlaha ay u adeegayaan bulshada,” he said, assuring that election authorities and political groups will receive full administrative support.
The Banaadir Governor highlighted the significance of restoring decision-making power to the people, stating that Mogadishu residents have long been deprived of the right to elect their local council representatives. He described the upcoming vote as a historic opportunity that strengthens democratic participation and brings governance closer to citizens.
Muungaab also encouraged registered political associations to freely present their election platforms to the public, noting that the regional administration will cooperate closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent process. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Banaadir administration to uphold electoral integrity, maintain security, and guarantee an environment conducive to peaceful campaigning.
With just days remaining before Mogadishu’s first local council election in decades, officials say preparations are in their final stages, and voter card distribution centers across the city are operating at full capacity. The success of the upcoming poll is expected to mark a major step forward in Somalia’s ongoing democratization efforts and local governance reforms.