Somalia’s electoral process continues to move forward through voter registration efforts run by the national electoral authorities, but participation remains uneven in parts of the country. Recent registration drives, including new and mobile registration points in central Somalia, highlight both the push to expand the voter roll and the practical barriers that can keep eligible citizens from registering or voting. For voters, the next steps are often simple in theory—show required documents, get recorded, and receive…

Monday April 20, 2026 Jowhar (AX) — Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe has directed his cabinet to accelerate preparations for Somalia’s planned one-person-one-vote elections, pressing for wider public engagement even as political fault lines and security worries grow around the process. Guudlaawe urged officials to step up voter education campaigns and bolster administrative readiness ahead of the expected polls. He also called on residents of Hirshabelle to take part actively in the electoral…

A stunning Democratic win in a Texas state Senate race that former President Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024 has jolted Republicans and sharpened questions about their midterm prospects. The upset, following a string of Democratic gains in recent months, suggests shifting political currents in even reliably red terrain as November approaches. Trump had urged supporters in Texas on Truth Social to “GET OUT AND VOTE” for the “phenomenal” Republican candidate, declaring, “Today is the day!” Twenty-four hours later,…

Low turnout marks junta-run election in Myanmar as critics call vote not credible Voters in Myanmar appeared to cast ballots in low numbers in the first phase of a military-organized general election, the country’s first since the 2021 coup toppled the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The ruling junta, which crushed nationwide pro-democracy protests after seizing power and now faces an entrenched armed rebellion, says the three-stage vote is a path to stability and a restored civilian-led system. But the…

Mogadishu races to deliver voter cards as Dec. 25 Banadir local elections near MOGADISHU — Nearly 200,000 registered voters in Banadir have received official voting cards ahead of the Dec. 25 local council elections, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said Saturday, easing fears that delays could keep many Mogadishu residents from the polls. The vote will be the first time Mogadishu residents directly elect their local council and mayor — a milestone the commission has called historic.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued a formal warning to district administrations across the Banadir region, ordering them to ensure an open campaign environment and unhindered distribution of voter cards as the election period intensifies in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts. In a directive circulated to local officials, the Commission said political organizations and candidates are legally entitled to campaign without interference, and citizens must be able to…

Mogadishu begins voter card rollout for local council elections Somalia’s electoral commission on Saturday began issuing voter cards in Mogadishu, a step the capital has seldom seen after years marked by conflict, displacement and political uncertainty. The process opened across multiple districts with steady turnout and orderly lines as residents prepared to participate in upcoming local council polls. Distribution started in Hamarjajab, Waberi, Shangani, Hamarweyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz and Shibis districts. Officials…

Hargeisa (AX) — On a bright Tuesday morning, the buzz in North Western State of Somalia was palpable as voters gathered for an election that has the potential to fundamentally transform their political landscape. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi from the leading Kulmiye Party is seeking another term, facing off against Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Waddani and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. This election isn't just about picking a leader; it's a critical moment that will define which three parties gain official status…

In a rather astonishing twist, Donald Trump has reclaimed the title of the 47th President of the United States as of Wednesday. This marks a significant return for the former president, who famously resisted accepting his election loss four years prior. During those years, he faced several controversial challenges, from a violent uprising at the Capitol to surviving two attempts on his life and being convicted of felony offenses.The decisive win came with a victory in Wisconsin, pushing Trump past the critical 270 electoral…

Elon Musk's political action committee isn’t just drawing names from a hat for their ambitious $1 million-a-day giveaway aimed at registered voters. According to an attorney representing the billionaire, they are handpicking individuals who can effectively champion their agenda. Chris Gober, Musk’s lawyer, made this assertion while addressing a Pennsylvania judge, attempting to dismiss claims that the giveaway was an "illegal lottery." This lawsuit was initiated by Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner, who aims to…