Sunday June 21, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Twelve political organizations that took part in recent elections in Banadir Region and Southwest State have raised fresh alarms over how the votes were conducted, saying unresolved concerns could spill into the next round of contests.
In a joint statement, the groups said the elections fell short of the standards of free, fair and equal political competition.
They said procedural errors and irregularities had eroded trust in the electoral commission’s independence and impartiality, while also casting doubt on the transparency, accountability and legitimacy of the process.
“There were errors and procedural irregularities that undermined confidence in the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission,” the statement said.
The organizations pointed to complaints about the closed-list system, unequal treatment of candidates, unclear procedures, the acceptance of candidates who were not registered on time, violations of voting hours, delayed results and alleged mistreatment of political party representatives.
They also alleged that additional polling stations were set up without notice to participating organizations and that those stations favored the government-aligned political organization.
The statement further accused regional and district administrations, security forces and the electoral commission of taking on overlapping roles during the elections, saying the process lacked independent oversight and transparency both at the ballot box and during the announcement of results.
The organizations also expressed concern that 390 members of the Banadir Regional Council elected on Dec. 25, 2025, have still not been formally seated more than six months later.
They said the delay raised fears that the government-aligned organization was seeking to dominate district-level seats and positions in Banadir Region.
The groups called for major reforms to the structure and leadership of the National Electoral Commission, arguing that Somalia needs an independent, transparent and credible body trusted by all political parties.
They warned that the problems reported in Banadir Region and Southwest State could be repeated in future elections, deepening political tension and weakening public confidence.
The organizations said they remain committed to the principle of one person, one vote, free political participation and the right of Somali citizens to choose and be elected independently in credible elections.
They said they would not continue cooperating with the electoral commission unless the reported mistakes are corrected and procedures are agreed upon by political parties and the commission.
The statement was issued by 12 political organizations: SAB, Somali Democracy, Tiir, Madal San, Towfiiq, Ramaas, Dawladwanaag, Sincad, Karaamo, Somali People, NBU and Unity of the People.
