For the first time in nearly 57 years, residents of Mogadishu are preparing to participate in a vote enabling them to directly select district council members, a process Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud describes as a transformation in how political authority is exercised in the capital and throughout the nation.

Ahead of the Banadir district council elections, President Hassan urged citizens to actively participate by turning out in large numbers and casting ballots to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests and participate in decisions affecting daily life and the future direction of governance.

He stated that this process places responsibility directly in the hands of citizens and establishes a system where authority derives from the people rather than selection by a small group or appointment through other methods.

According to the President, these elections represent an irreversible step, explaining that the ballot box gives citizens the power to determine who governs them and how power is exercised within their communities.

He noted that participation in the vote allows people to recognize those who have demonstrated the capacity to serve and to reject those who fail to meet expectations, adding that leadership should be based on clear criteria rather than pressure or influence.

“You choose who will rule you, and you leave the one who is not worthy,” he stated, while encouraging voters to base their selections on merit, experience, capability, and commitment to society.

President Hassan also addressed the campaign period, warning it would contain numerous promises from candidates seeking office, and emphasized that citizens’ responsibilities do not conclude on election day. He stated that once elected officials are chosen, voters must monitor their performance and demand fulfillment of campaign pledges, noting that accountability is essential for building trust between leaders and the public.

The President indicated that the Banadir elections are part of measures taken by the government to honor its commitment to transition to elections based on the principle of one person, one vote.

In his address, the President placed significant emphasis on voter registration and the importance of the voter card, describing it as a symbol of citizenship and the power to make choices.

“The voting card is your personal property. It is proof of citizenship and gives you the right to determine your future, your children’s future, your security, your environment, and the services you require,” he said, while encouraging residents to obtain their cards and fully engage in the process.

He explained that decisions made at the district level impact access to services, public order, and relationships between citizens and authorities, and that these choices also influence governance at higher levels.

Statistics from the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission indicate that nearly two hundred thousand voters have already collected their cards, despite almost one million people registering to participate in the elections. The commission stated that the card collection process remains open as preparations continue for election day on December 25, 2025.