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Somalia’s electoral commission sets June elections for Gedo and Khaatumo


Tuesday January 28, 2025


Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, Chairperson of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), addresses the media during a press conference on upcoming Local Council Elections, set to take place in June 2025. CREDIT / HOL

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) has announced that Local Council Elections will be held in June, covering regions such as Gedo and Khaatumo, as part of the federal government's plan to strengthen local governance. 

The NIEC chairperson, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, revealed during an interview with Somali National Television that a total of 800 polling stations have been identified for the elections. These will span Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland—including Gedo—South West State, and the interim SSC Khaatumo administration. Abdikarin said that consultations with most federal member state leaders had laid the groundwork for the elections.

Political organizations aiming to participate must adhere to strict new requirements. According to Abdikarin, all groups must register with the NIEC, while previously registered organizations must renew their credentials. Organizations must demonstrate a membership base of at least 10,000 to qualify, a measure intended to ensure credibility and broad support.

Elections across all regions are planned for a single day, with Mogadishu playing a major role. Polling will occur in districts recognized before 1991 under Somalia’s former military regime, which acknowledged 95 districts. However, the NIEC said taht it has streamlined this number to 65 districts to simplify the process.

The ambitious electoral plan faces major hurdles. Political rifts between the federal government and the Puntland and Jubaland administrations continue to loom, while opposition groups have voiced strong objections to conducting elections nationwide. These tensions raise questions about the feasibility of holding elections in all designated areas.



 





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