Arab Parliament Speaker Welcomes Historic Direct Elections in Benadir Region
Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi welcomed Somalia’s first direct Benadir Regional Council elections since 1969, calling them a historic step for state-building, stability and broader public participation.
The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, has welcomed the successful holding of direct elections for the Benadir Regional Council, describing the vote as a historic milestone and the first of its kind in Somalia since 1969.
In a statement issued on Friday, Al-Yamahi said the elections represent a significant step toward advancing state-building efforts, strengthening democratic governance and citizenship, and expanding public participation in decision-making.
He noted that the elections are expected to have a positive domestic impact, particularly in supporting Somalia’s ongoing efforts to enhance security, political stability, and institutional recovery.
The Arab Parliament Speaker also emphasized the importance of unity among all political forces, urging them to place the country’s supreme national interests above political differences and to adopt dialogue and consensus as the preferred path forward.
Al-Yamahi reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s full support for all initiatives aimed at achieving lasting security and stability in Somalia, as well as fulfilling the aspirations of the Somali people for development, peace, and prosperity.
