Prime Minister Barre Tours Voter Registration Center in Mogadishu’s Shangani District

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant moment for Somalia, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale and a delegation of cabinet members, paid a visit to a voter registration site in the Shangani district this past Wednesday. This visit marked the official commencement of the country’s groundbreaking voter registration initiative, an endeavor that has been decades in the making.

As he addressed an eager crowd, Prime Minister Barre characterized the occasion as a “victory for Somalia,” framing it as a pivotal juncture in the nation’s journey toward democratic governance. He articulated the profound implications of this moment: “Today marks an important milestone. For the first time in decades, our people can exercise their democratic right—to elect and be elected.” This isn’t just rhetoric; it’s the very essence of empowerment. One can almost feel the collective hope resonating through the crowd as they stood on the precipice of democracy, ready to engage in the electoral process.

Barre emphasized the universal voter registration initiative, stating that it commenced the previous day in Mogadishu, representing the first effort of its kind in over half a century. As Somalia gears up for one-person, one-vote elections in 2026, the shadow of the last direct elections in 1969 looms large—a time just before the military coup led by Siad Barre. “Every Somali has the right to a national ID, to register, and to vote,” he stressed passionately. This assertion calls us to reflect: How often do we take for granted the simple act of voting? For many Somalis, this is more than an administrative process; it is a moment of liberation, a chance to reclaim their narrative.

During his remarks, the Prime Minister lauded the residents of Shangani for their courage and resilience in standing on the frontline of this monumental transition. Their presence at the voter registration site is not merely as participants; they are pioneers of a new era. Facing the hardships of terrorism and insecurity, the spirit of Mogadishu’s population shines through like light breaking through a dark cloud. “The skeptics said it couldn’t be done—that Somalia could not hold credible elections. But the turnout today proves them wrong,” Barre proclaimed. This assertion is not merely a counter to doubt; it is a challenge to despair and a beacon of hope.

Moreover, Barre positioned the electoral process as a vital tool for rewriting the narrative of trust in governmental institutions. “From today, the people will decide who deserves to lead, and who must be held accountable,” he articulated with conviction. Such a statement beckons us to consider what accountability truly means in governance and how crucial it is for citizens to feel empowered to demand it.

In tandem with these developments, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has committed to moving away from the longstanding 4.5 clan-based indirect electoral model—criticized for perpetuating patronage and political inertia—towards a system of direct suffrage. This progressive shift signals the gradual dismantling of barriers that have long hindered democratic governance in Somalia. The planned rollout of this new electoral process will occur in stages, starting with voter registration across nine districts of Mogadishu.

Yet, it’s essential to remain cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. Implementing a new electoral system comes with its hurdles, both expected and unforeseen. Will the infrastructure be robust enough to support this process? Can the motivations of various stakeholders align to ensure that this initiative is genuinely democratic? These questions linger, serving as reminders of the precarious path toward true democracy. However, it is precisely these questions that provoke dialogue and foster engagement among citizens and leaders alike.

In conclusion, the voter registration initiative is not just a procedural milestone; it’s a powerful allegory for a nation in quest of its identity and governance. The emotions wrapped up in this single act of registering to vote reflect a broader desire for change—a yearning that can no longer be silenced. As we look to the future, let us celebrate this moment while remaining vigilant, committed to nurturing the seeds of democracy that have finally begun to take root in Somalia.

Edited by Ali Musa

Axadle Times International – Monitoring.