PM Barre Chairs High-Level Meeting on Final Preparations for Upcoming Local Elections
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has chaired a high-level government meeting reviewing the final preparations for Somalia’s forthcoming local elections, with the electoral commission confirming full readiness.
Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, on Tuesday presided over a high-level meeting focused on assessing and finalizing preparations for the upcoming local government elections scheduled to take place across the country.
The meeting brought together ministers whose portfolios are directly linked to the electoral process, alongside senior officials from relevant government institutions. The primary briefing was delivered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Boundaries Commission, which jointly oversee technical and administrative aspects of the elections.
Abdihakim Ahmed Hassan, Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, informed the meeting that preparations for the polls have reached an advanced stage. He noted that the Commission has completed all essential logistical, technological, and administrative arrangements necessary for conducting the elections smoothly and transparently.
According to the Commission, voter registration systems, polling materials, and coordination mechanisms between federal and regional institutions are already in place. The Commission emphasized its readiness to ensure an inclusive election guided by national standards and democratic principles.
Prime Minister Hamza expressed gratitude to the Commission, as well as to the ministries and government agencies contributing to the electoral program. He commended their cooperation and dedication during the preparation phase, describing their collective effort as a “significant step toward strengthening Somalia’s democratic governance.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing the “One Person, One Vote” electoral model, a landmark shift from previous indirect voting systems. He emphasized that the first phase of this transition will begin with the long-awaited local council elections in the Benadir Region, including Mogadishu, marking a major milestone in Somalia’s political development.
Prime Minister Hamza also underscored that the government’s mandate under the #DanQaran agenda prioritizes building inclusive governance, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that elections are credible, peaceful, and reflective of the will of the Somali people.
The forthcoming elections, once completed, are expected to pave the way for broader democratic reforms nationwide and enhance public participation in local administration.
