MOGADISHU — The distribution of voter cards for Somalia’s upcoming one-person, one-vote elections began in Mogadishu on Saturday, with large crowds gathering at registration centres across the capital early in the morning, officials said.
Mogadishu Mayor Muungaab, described the launch as “a great day” for the city, calling on residents to collect their cards without delay.
“Today is a great day. Mogadishu begins issuing voter cards. I urge all Mogadishu residents to fully participate and collect their cards,” Muungaab said at the ceremony marking the start of the process.
The elections — scheduled for the end of this month — will see residents choose district commissioners as well as the mayor of Mogadishu, making it the first direct local vote of its kind in the capital in many years.
Authorities in the Banadir regional administration said voter card distribution will be carried out across all districts, with security forces deployed to ensure order and smooth registration.
Officials also urged citizens to take advantage of the limited time available to collect their cards so they can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming polls.
