Somalia Takes a Historic Step Toward Democracy With First Voter Registration in Over Five Decades
Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Somalia, as it commenced voter registration in the capital city, Mogadishu, for the first time in over half a century. This pivotal moment is a meaningful stride toward universal suffrage, as the nation gears up for presidential elections slated for 2026. In a country often associated with turbulent headlines, does this symbolic step represent a genuine shift toward greater political stability?
Somalia, a nation that has endured decades characterized by uncertainty, conflict, and humanitarian upheaval, is tirelessly working to rise above its complicated past. Long torn between battles with extremist insurgents and frequent natural disasters, the government now seems determined to forge a path towards normalcy and democratic governance. This voter registration effort signifies an attempt to empower everyday Somalis, transforming decades of instability into hopeful participation.
Last year, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud openly pledged to do away with a highly complex clan-based electoral system in place since former dictator Siad Barre assumed power in 1969. Barre’s regime fell in 1991—yet, Somalia’s subsequent years have been shaped by continuous transitional governments defined more by clans than democratic choice. This voter registration represents a bold attempt to shift power genuinely into the hands of the public, but how smoothly this transition might occur, remains to be seen.
In Shangani district of Mogadishu, a bustling quarter of markets and historical sites, people flocked to register to vote, their eyes alight with a mixture of hope, excitement, and visible curiosity. AFP reported scenes of citizens patiently lined up, many registering for the very first time in their lives. For them, this was not simply administrative paperwork—it was an unprecedented act of civic engagement.
Ali Mohammed, a thoughtful 25-year-old young man, confessed feeling uncertain about what this registration ultimately means. Standing in line, he candidly told journalists, “I’m still not completely sure how this process will work out. But simply being here today makes me genuinely happy.” Ali’s honest transparency echoes the cautious optimism felt by many—could this truly be the dawn of democratic change?
Nearby stood 35-year-old Abdirahman Dhegey, waiting calmly with a quiet sense of pride. In a reflective tone, he remarked thoughtfully, “We’ve never had the chance to directly elect our leaders before. If this registration actually works, and we finally get to cast real votes, it would change the future of our nation.” Such profoundly simple yet powerful statements underscore the historical significance of this day.
Though optimism and enthusiasm prevail, these efforts come amid a backdrop of genuine challenges. The electoral plan introduced in 2023 initially faced notable resistance. Some federal states, particularly Northeastern State, a semi-autonomous region known for its independent spirit, expressed concerns about the feasibility and inclusivity of the national electoral system. While the cabinet eventually approved the voter registration plan, the lingering hesitations of Northeastern State add layers of complexity to Somalia’s political journey.
Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, Chairman of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion: “Today marks an essential milestone—a big day for the Somali people.” He went on to confirm that the voter registration campaign would ultimately roll out nationwide. Reiterating this perspective, Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis, publicly confirmed that voter registration operations had indeed begun in earnest.
Interestingly, a shift towards direct democratic participation is not entirely unprecedented in the region. Neighboring North Western State of Somalia, an internationally unrecognized territory which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has occasionally embraced direct voting models. Similarly, the Northeastern State region briefly experimented with direct local elections as recently as 2023—though it then retreated to more familiar voting practices. Can Somalia, after decades of trials, pitfalls, and shifts, finally sustain truly democratic processes?
Among eager citizens in Mogadishu was 38-year-old mother-of-three, Shamsa Yusuf. As she entered the electoral log for the first time, Shamsa expressed hope that the process would lay foundations for stability and security: “I believe this opportunity is deeply significant—not just my own future—but also the futures of my children. Stability would mean everything to us.”
As the registration process unfolds, it becomes clear that for ordinary Somalis, today’s effort is as much symbolic as practical. Individual and collective enthusiasm is tinged subtly with questions, doubts, and a certain cautious optimism. Democracy’s path in Somalia may not be linear or straightforward—but it has undoubtedly begun.
“Democracy is not just an election, it is our daily lives.” These words from Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi resonate deeply today in Mogadishu’s crowded registration offices. Will this voter registration lead toward genuine democratic practices, or simply another hopeful yet fragile beginning? Only time holds the answer.
For now, however, Somalia stands at a hopeful crossroads, celebrating a significant leap toward self-determination and participatory governance, guided forward by optimism, guarded caution, and immense aspiration.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
