In a landmark moment for Somali democracy, residents of Mogadishu turned out in significant numbers on December 25, 2025, to participate in the capital’s first direct municipal elections since 1969.
This “one-person, one-vote” poll represents a pivotal step toward restoring universal suffrage in Somalia, a country that has grappled with decades of conflict, clan-based indirect systems, and political instability.
A Return to Direct Democracy After Decades of Indirect Systems
Somalia’s last nationwide direct elections occurred in 1969, just months before military leader Mohamed Siad Barre seized power in a coup, abolishing multi-party politics.
Following Barre’s ouster in 1991, the country descended into civil war, leading to the adoption of a clan-based indirect electoral model in 2004.
Under this system, clan elders and representatives selected parliamentarians, who in turn elected the president— a mechanism designed to foster consensus amid ongoing insurgency but often criticized for enabling corruption and excluding ordinary citizens.
The December 2025 municipal vote in Mogadishu breaks this cycle. Organized across the capital’s 16 districts and 523 polling stations, the election saw over 500,000 registered voters participate.
Approximately 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties competed for 390 district council seats. Successful councilors will later elect a mayor, shifting away from the previous presidential appointment process.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the event as a “milestone for the revival of government and security in the capital,” emphasizing in a televised address that it demonstrates Mogadishu’s stability and Somalia’s broader recovery. 3 “LARGE” 10 “LARGE”
Heightened Security and Peaceful Conduct Amid Ongoing Threats
Voting proceeded under tight security, with over 10,000 personnel deployed, the airport and port temporarily closed, and major streets restricted.
Despite persistent threats from al-Shabaab—the al-Qaeda-linked militant group that controls rural areas and launches frequent attacks in urban centers—no major incidents disrupted the poll.
Regional bodies like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union commended the “orderly and peaceful” process, noting improved security conditions as a key enabler.
Voters expressed enthusiasm, with many describing it as their first-ever opportunity to cast a ballot. One elderly voter told reporters, “I am so happy and excited since I have voted after 56 years.”
Controversies: Opposition Boycotts and Concerns Over Legitimacy
The elections were not without controversy. Major opposition groups boycotted the process, labeling it “flawed,” “one-sided,” and lacking broad consensus.
Critics, including former presidents and prime ministers, accused the federal government of orchestrating the vote to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 national elections.
Analysts note that while the poll serves as a low-stakes “test run” for direct voting, the boycott raises questions about inclusivity and potential risks to Somalia’s fragile federal structure.
Despite these challenges, the election is viewed as a critical rehearsal for the planned 2026 federal polls—the country’s first direct national elections in over five decades.
A 2024 law restored universal suffrage, though compromises ensure parliament will still select the president.
Looking Ahead: A Test for Nationwide Direct Elections in 2026
As results are tallied and a new municipal leadership emerges, the Mogadishu vote underscores Somalia’s aspirations for democratic renewal.
International observers and local analysts agree it provides valuable lessons for scaling direct elections nationwide, potentially dismantling the entrenched clan-based system.
This historic event signals hope for greater citizen participation in governance, even as Somalia navigates security threats, political divisions, and the transition from indirect to direct democracy.
For a nation rebuilding after decades of turmoil, December 25, 2025, stands as a beacon of progress toward inclusive, one-person-one-vote elections in 2026.
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