Somalia, 12 October 2025 — Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) is aiming to register approximately two million citizens ahead of the upcoming local council elections, including the polls in Mogadishu polls scheduled for end of this month.
NIEBC Chairman Abdikariin Ahmed told visiting members of the Supreme Council of the Union of Somali Scholars that nearly half a million people have already been registered across the regions, with almost one million enrolled in the capital.
“Our goal is to prepare two million people to participate in the local council elections,” Abdikariin said, emphasizing voter education and public awareness campaigns.
However, the NIEBC has yet to announce the exact date for the nationwide local council elections, which are planned to take place after the Mogadishu polls on 30th October.
Religious leaders, including Sheikh Aadan Mo’allim Sugow and Sheikh Ali Wajis, acknowledged the NIEBC’s work, noting its role in promoting democratic participation and reducing clan-based political influence.
Despite these efforts, commission is facing political challenges. Some opposition groups have expressed resistance to the registration process and the Commission’s election plans.
“We are entering a phase that requires our full dedication and commitment, and God willing, we will ensure that public awareness is accelerated among Somali communities wherever they are.” Abdikariin added.
The visit of the Supreme Council highlights the involvement of community and religious leaders in voter education, a key step as Somalia prepares for one-person, one-vote elections.