Mogadishu Enters Historic Electoral Era After Decades of Conflict

Somalia, 25 December 2025 After decades marked by conflict, insecurity, and political instability, Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Tuesday entered a historic electoral atmosphere unseen for nearly 50 years.

Early this morning, authorities officially launched a one-person, one-vote local council election across Mogadishu’s 16 districts, marking a major milestone in the country’s democratic journey. The election aims to select representatives for district-level local councils in the Banadir Region.

High Voter Turnout and Public Participation

Residents of the capital began lining up at polling stations in the early morning hours, forming long queues as they exercised their right to vote. Voters were seen carrying their voter identification cards and walking to designated polling centers, reflecting strong public enthusiasm and civic engagement.

Citywide Curfew and Suspension of Public Services

To ensure security, a citywide curfew was imposed across Mogadishu. As a result, all public transportation services were suspended, along with domestic and international flights. Major roads across the city were largely empty of vehicles and instead filled with pedestrians heading to polling stations.

More Than Half a Million Registered Voters