Mogadishu - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has formally registered to vote, urging citizens to participate in the country’s upcoming direct elections. The President registered at a center in Mogadishu’s Warta-Nabadda district, calling it a critical opportunity for Somalis to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
President Mohamud described the shift to a “one-person, one-vote” system as a major milestone, fulfilling a long-standing national goal embedded in the constitution. He stated this system empowers citizens to elect leaders at federal, state, and district levels.
The President commended the National Electoral Commission’s preparations and praised security forces, district authorities, and local communities for facilitating the registration process.
Voter registration is currently active in Mogadishu, Southwest State, Galmudug, and the Hirshabelle region. However, the process faces significant boycotts: Jubbaland and Puntland regional states, along with several opposition groups, are refusing to participate. Their objections center on recent constitutional amendments and electoral changes.
Efforts to resolve the impasse continue. Federal leaders and opposition representatives held multiple meetings last week, but have not yet announced any agreement to break the deadlock.
