Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, announced on Saturday that the governor in the Benadir Region will be democratically elected by the people in the capital Mogadishu on June 30th next year.
The Minister stated that the people will have the right to elect their preferred candidates, which strengthens accountability, transparency, and improves service delivery.
“We have plans to hold elections for all regional governor and districts commissioners on June 30th next year In Benadir Region, we expect to hold an election where the people will elect their governor. Despite being smaller in land mass, the Benadir region is one of the most populated regions in the country. Mobilization is also underway in the Southwest, which will also hold its elections,” Minister Fiqi said.
He highlighted the adverse impacts of land disputes and political stalemates on the stability of the country.
“Conflicts are created by the people; for us, conflicts have reduced. We have had land disputes and political stalemates that have been causing major problems within our country. We hope that the Benadir region will set an example for other regions and peacefully head to regional elections next year,” he added.
“After the transition of powers to the new Governor, we want maximum accountability and transparency in that office. The Governor and the councillors are required to serve the people equally and efficiently,” the minister added.
The Minister stressed the need for fair judgment in the judiciary system, stating that most of the land disputes stem from unfair judgments by the courts.
This announcement will give the public the right to choose their preferred candidates, at a time when regional governors and councillors were previously appointed through a presidential decree.
It comes four days after Minister Fiqi declared the government’s stance on implementing the agreements reached on May 27th by the leaders of the National Consultative Council.
Part of this agreement includes the establishment of only two political parties in the country and a transition from a parliamentary system to a democratic one, allowing citizens to elect their leaders.
