MOGADISHU, Somalia – Voter registration for Somalia’s upcoming one-person, one-vote election continues to advance in Mogadishu, the nation’s capital. Over the past few days, the process has gained momentum across several districts of the Banadir region.
Today, registration activities expanded to additional districts, including Hodan, Howlwadaag, Warta Nabadda, Yaaqshiid, Heliwaa, and Kaaraan. Hundreds of citizens seeking to participate in the upcoming elections formed long queues at registration centers managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Among those registering are senior government officials, including ministers, Banadir regional leaders, and district commissioners, all aiming to secure their voter identification to partake in the election process.
Sensitive Issues Emerge
However, the registration drive has taken a controversial turn. Reports have emerged alleging that parts of the process are being influenced by clan affiliations. Districts such as Hodan and Kaaraan are at the center of these claims, sparking intense debates on social media regarding the politicization of clan identities in the capital.
Further reports indicate that the Independent Electoral Commission allegedly spent considerable amounts of money on social media campaigns that indirectly encouraged clan-based mobilization in these districts, particularly highlighting the Abgaal and Habargidir clans. The incident has been described as a major embarrassment for the Federal Government of Somalia.
Public Reactions
The situation has drawn widespread criticism from the public:
Dr. Abdisaalan Ibrahim commented: “The one-person, one-vote election has unfortunately devolved into clan-based voting experiments.”
Muno Hassan Kadiye stated: “This system is unacceptable; promoting clan divisions contradicts our cultural values. The Ministry of Information must act responsibly.”
Mohamed Abdullahi Hilowle added: “I am from the Abgaal clan, born in Hodan district, but clan identity and elections should never be mixed.”
Hodan Ganeey noted: “Kaaraan district remains a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness.”
Political Context
This controversy comes at a time when opposition parties remain highly critical of the one-person, one-vote process. They accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of using the electoral process to extend his political influence.
As preparations for the elections continue, questions around transparency, fairness, and inclusivity loom large, with indications that public dissent may only grow stronger in the coming days.
