MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Governor of Banadir region and Mayor , Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, on Thursday denied allegations that residents of the capital are being forced to register at voter enrollment centers ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Speaking to local media, Muungaab dismissed the reports as “baseless fabrications” spread by political opponents who he claimed are opposed to the electoral process.
“There are individuals who are unhappy with Somalia’s progress towards democratic governance. They are deliberately spreading misinformation to create confusion and distrust,” Muungaab said.
His comments come in response to recent public complaints that some citizens have been registered against their will while walking through certain streets in the city. Human rights groups and civil society actors had expressed concern over what they described as “coercive tactics” used during the voter registration campaign.
However, Muungaab insisted that the process is entirely voluntary and emphasized that no one is being compelled to participate.
“Voting is a constitutional right. We encourage citizens to register and take part in the elections freely, but no one should be forced. The spread of false narratives will not derail our commitment to a fair and peaceful election,” he added.
Voter registration is currently underway across the country, as Somalia prepares for its long-delayed national elections, scheduled for later this year. The polls are widely seen as a crucial step toward political stability and democratic reform after decades of conflict and transitional governance.
