Mogadishu Local Elections (2025)

Mogadishu Local Elections (2025) are local government elections held in Mogadishu, the capital of the Federal Republic of Somalia, on 25 December 2025, marking the first time in approximately 56 years that direct voting has been used to elect local representatives.

The elections aim to determine members of district-level local councils within the boundaries of the Benadir Region. Voters cast ballots for district councils. The members elected to these district councils will subsequently select the mayor from among themselves.

Local election in Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Historical Background

Direct elections based on universal suffrage were last held in Somalia in 1969. Following a military coup later that year, the regime of Mohamed Siad Barre ended the practice of direct elections. After the collapse of the central government in 1991, the country entered a prolonged period of civil conflict.

Since 2004, Somalia has operated under a clan-based indirect election system. Under this system, clan delegates selected members of parliament, who in turn chose the president. The mayor of Mogadishu was also appointed by the president during this period. Citizens did not vote directly in these elections.

Indirect Election System and the “4.5 System”

The indirect election model implemented after 2004 became known in public discourse as the “4.5 system”. This system prioritized clan-based representation, and political representation was not shaped by direct voter will. Members of parliament were appointed by clan representatives, and executive bodies were constructed through this structure.

The Mogadishu Local Elections (2025) are being held as part of a gradual move away from this system. Direct voting at the local level is being reintroduced.

Legal Framework and Electoral Law

In 2024, a law was passed to reinstate universal suffrage in Somalia. This reform opened the way for direct elections at both local and national levels. The local elections represent one of the first comprehensive applications of this law. The legal framework stipulates that local elections must be conducted according to the principle of “one person, one vote.”

The 2025 local election process is being managed by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The Commission is responsible for administrative processes including voter registration, candidate nominations, polling station organization, and security coordination.

Local election in Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Voter Registration

The voter registration process was completed during 2025. Official statements indicate that approximately 400,000 voters in Mogadishu have been registered to vote. Diplomatic sources, however, suggest the number of registered voters approaches one million. Voter registration was conducted using biometric methods. Women and first-time voters were included in the registration process.

Local election in Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Candidates and Political Landscape

A total of 1,604 to 1,605 candidates are competing for seats on district councils in the Mogadishu Local Elections (2025). These candidates are supported by 20 political parties. Elections are being held for 390 district council seats. The number of candidates and party participation were officially announced as part of the election calendar.

The direct focus of the elections is the election of district council members. The mayor is not chosen by direct popular vote. The members elected to the district councils will subsequently select the mayor from among themselves. This process is defined as the second phase of the elections.

Local election in Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Polling Stations and Voting Process

Voting is taking place at 523 polling stations established across Mogadishu. Polling stations opened at 06:00 local time on 25 December 2025. Voting continues throughout the day and is scheduled to conclude in the evening.

Comprehensive security measures are in place across Mogadishu on election day. Approximately 10,000 security personnel have been deployed at and around polling stations.

Vehicle traffic has been restricted throughout the city on election day. Mogadishu International Airport and the port have been temporarily closed. Voters are transported to polling stations via buses operating along designated routes.

Local election in Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Opposition Parties and Boycotts

Some opposition parties have not participated in the electoral process. Several opposition parties have publicly objected to the manner in which the elections are being conducted and have boycotted the process, alleging that the elections are being unilaterally managed by the central government.

The Puntland administration in the north and the Jubbaland administration near the Kenyan border have not participated in the electoral process. These regions fall outside the scope of the Mogadishu local elections.