Citizens from across Mogadishu line up to vote in the first local council elections in 57 years.

Mogadishu marked a historic milestone today in Somalia’s political history as local council elections commenced across all 16 districts of the capital. This marks the first direct elections of this kind in 57 years.

Early this morning, hundreds of citizens including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and youth from various districts lined up at polling stations to exercise their civic duty and cast their votes.

Some voters with special needs shared their excitement with national media. “I arrived early this morning to cast my vote,” said one voter.

Seventy year old mother, Hooyo Hindiya, expressed her joy, saying: “Today I voted at my age; I am very happy.”

Mahdi, a representative of persons with special needs from Heliwaa district, said: “This morning, I cast my vote with devotion, and people are voting peacefully.”

Polling stations across the capital are operating smoothly, with the National Media broadcasting live updates. Mogadishu is once again establishing a local council elected directly by its people, reflecting the restoration of democratic processes in the country.