MOGADISHU — In a landmark step toward democratic governance, Somali authorities have officially launched voter registration in the capital city of Mogadishu today, marking the first such effort in nearly sixty years.

Residents began queuing at registration centers early in the morning, eager to take part in a process that will culminate in local council elections scheduled for June 30, 2025. This initiative marks a major milestone in Somalia’s efforts to implement a one-person, one-vote electoral system and restore public participation in local decision-making.

If successful, the June vote will be the first time in decades that Mogadishu’s citizens directly elect their local representatives, shifting power away from traditional clan-based selection and toward universal suffrage.

Authorities and international observers have hailed the process as a pivotal moment in Somalia’s democratic recovery. The elections are expected to serve as a model for broader electoral reforms at both regional and federal levels.