Somali capital holds first direct election in over five decades

Al JazeeraEN 4 min read 100% complete by Faisal AliDecember 25, 2025 at 10:09 AM

AI Summary

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Mogadishu, Somalia held its first direct local elections in over five decades on December 25, 2025, despite opposition boycotts. Around half a million registered voters chose representatives for 390 district council seats from 1,605 candidates. The election marks a move towards universal suffrage after decades of indirect, clan-based electoral systems following the 1991 civil war. Security was tight, with a city-wide lockdown and heavy police presence due to ongoing threats from al-Shabab. President Mohamud aims to transition to universal suffrage at all levels of government, viewing the election as a step towards democratic practices. Somalia's last direct elections were in 1969, prior to a military coup.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mohamed Siad Barre 60% Mogadishu ×380% Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ×2100% Somalia ×4100%

Keywords

direct election 100% local polls 90% mogadishu 80% somalia 80% universal suffrage 70% electoral system 60% political reform 60% security measures 50% opposition boycotts 50% civil war 40%