Somalia's Democratic Momentum: A Nation Marching Towards Direct Elections

In a significant stride toward democratic governance, Somalia is witnessing an enthusiastic and peaceful voter registration process, reflecting a national awakening and desire for inclusive political participation. Across the country—from Mogadishu’s Kaxda District to the iconic Somali National University—citizens are lining up to register to vote, exercising a constitutional right that has long been denied due to decades of instability.

At the Kaxda Voter Registration Center, the process is moving forward smoothly. Citizens are being urged to register in their respective districts to secure their constitutional right to vote. With newly added registration centers, the process is now more accessible than ever. These centers are not just logistical nodes; they symbolize a turning point in Somali political history.

The slogan resonating across the nation is simple but powerful: “Muwaaddin, is-diiwaan-gali”—Citizen, register yourself. This message is echoed in every district of the Banaadir Region, where voter registration is being conducted efficiently and peacefully.

One particularly symbolic location is the Somali National University, where the registration process is proceeding in an orderly manner. It is here, amid the academic aspirations of the next generation, that Somalia’s political rebirth is taking root. Citizens are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to secure their voting rights and shape their future by electing those who will represent them—or be elected themselves.

On May 15, 2025, Somali authorities officially extended the voter registration period by one additional month, until June 15, 2025. This move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring no eligible citizen is left out of the process. It also provides ample time for awareness campaigns and logistical adjustments to accommodate high demand.

This wave of civic engagement indicates that Somalia is not only preparing for elections—it is embracing democracy at its grassroots. The hope is that this voter registration momentum will lead to credible, transparent, and direct elections, breaking away from the legacy of clan-based power-sharing models.

In a country often associated with conflict and fragility, the current developments are a hopeful counter-narrative. They tell the story of a nation reclaiming its sovereignty through the ballot box, and of a people determined to decide their own destiny.

As the voter registration process continues, the world watches. Somalia is marching, step by step, towards a historic moment: the realization of one person, one vote.