Arab Parliament Hails Banadir Elections as Historic Step for Somalia

The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, has welcomed the holding of direct local council elections in Somalia’s Banadir Region, describing them as a historic milestone and the first elections of their kind in the country since 1969.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Al-Yamahi said the elections represent a significant step forward in Somalia’s state rebuilding process, strengthening democratic governance and citizenship, and expanding public participation in decision making.

He noted that the direct elections are expected to have a positive domestic impact, particularly by supporting ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the capital, Mogadishu, and across the country.

The Arab Parliament Speaker also stressed the importance of unity among Somalia’s political forces, urging them to place national interests above political differences and to adopt dialogue and consensus as the most effective path toward progress.

Al-Yamahi reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s full support for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting security and stability in Somalia, as well as the aspirations of the Somali people for development, peace, and prosperity.

Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, except in the self governing Puntland State and the self declared Somaliland region, shortly before the military coup led by Mohamed Siad Barre.

Following the collapse of his regime in 1991 and years of civil war, Somalia adopted an indirect electoral system in 2004 to manage clan divisions and ongoing security challenges.

The Mogadishu vote is widely viewed as a critical test for the feasibility of implementing direct elections at the national level in the future.