By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 15 November 2025 — Mogadishu’s governance structure is entering a new phase as the Federal Government approves a district-grading system that will determine how local representation is distributed in the upcoming Banadir Local Council elections.
The decision marks one of the most significant changes in the capital’s political framework in decades.
Historic 16 Districts Used—Not the 20 Commonly Known Today
Although Mogadishu is widely known today as having 20 districts, the National Elections Law legally recognizes only 16 districts — the same districts that existed on 31 December 1990.
These 16 districts are the only units used for:
- Voter registration
- District grading (A and B)
- Allocation of council seats
Any districts created after 1990 are not part of the electoral framework.
Districts Classified into A and B, Based on Voter Data — Not Population
On 23 October 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the classification of all 16 legally recognized districts into two categories:
- Category A: 27 council seats
- Category B: 21 council seats
Contrary to public debate, the classification is not based on population density, as Somalia does not have an official census or district-level population statistics.
Instead, the grading relies entirely on voter-registration data compiled by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC). Registered voters are currently the only verifiable metric available to the government.
Category A Districts (27 seats each)
Hodan, Yaaqshiid, Deyniile, Kaaraan, Dharkeenley, Wadajir, Warta Nabadda, Heliwaa, Howl-wadaag
Category B Districts (21 seats each)
Waaberi, Shibis, Xamar-Jajab, Boondheere, Xamar-Weyne, Cabdicasiis, Shangaani
Districts with the highest number of registered voters — including Hodan (127,884), Deyniile (111,407), and Kaaraan (109,997) — naturally fall into Category A. Historic coastal districts with lower registration totals fall into Category B.
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Why the Classification Matters
Although framed as an administrative measure, the A/B classification will have a direct impact on Mogadishu’s political balance.
Under Article 22 of the 2024 National Elections Law:
- Mogadishu will elect a 97-member Capital City Council
- Each district will elect a Local Council
- Each council will internally elect the District Commissioner and Deputy
Since Category A districts have six more seats than Category B districts, they will hold greater influence when:
- Passing local council motions
- Engaging with the Capital City Council
NIEBC Registration: The Basis of the New Structure
NIEBC registered 923,220 voters in Banadir, with precise data for each district.
This dataset became the foundation for the district classification approved by the Federal Government.
Voter Card Issuance Begins on 15 November
NIEBC will begin issuing voter cards on Saturday, 15 November. The exercise will start in seven Category B districts:
- Shangaani
- Cabdicasiis
- Xamar Jajab
- Xamar Weyne
- Shibis
- Waaberi
- Boondheere
The remaining nine districts will follow. A total of 42 distribution centers have been established across Banadir.
A Defining Moment for Mogadishu’s Local Democracy
The A/B classification — grounded entirely in voter-registration data and limited to the 16 legally recognized districts.
As the capital prepares for its first district-level elections in generations, the new framework will shape how political power, municipal resources, and leadership are distributed across the city for years to come.
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