200,000 Voter Cards Issued in Somalia's Banadir Elections

By Zamzam Osman - Reporter

Somalia, 13 December 2025 - Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) says nearly 200,000 voters have received their voter cards, despite close to one million people having registered for the upcoming Banadir local council elections.

The massive delays and missing cards have raised concern that some registered voters might be locked out of the December 25 polls.

However, responding to the concerns, NIEBC Chairperson Abdikariim Ahmed Hassan said most complaints regarding unissued cards “have been resolved,” although a small number of registrants are still awaiting theirs.

Asked whether individuals holding temporary registration certificates — but not yet their physical voter cards — will be allowed to vote, the Chairperson said the commission does not have the final authority on the issue.

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According to the current rules, those without voter cards cannot vote. However, Hassan added that if political parties collectively agree to allow temporary-card holders to vote, the commission is “ready to facilitate” the process.

The commission also announced that free transportation will be provided for voters on election day, particularly for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those who may face difficulties reaching polling stations.

“We have arranged for dedicated vehicles, additional support, and full facilitation to help anyone unable to reach polling centers,” the Chairperson said.

Despite multiple scheduling delays, the commission reaffirmed that the elections will go ahead, assuring Banadir residents that they will have “the opportunity to cast their vote,” and pledging that such logistical issues will not be repeated in the future.

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