Benadir local vote: polling ends, counting starts

Dec 25, 2025 — Direct local voting in Mogadishu resumes after decades

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• Voting closed peacefully; counting to begin.The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said voting across Benadir’s 16 districts opened at 06:00 and closed at 18:00, reporting calm, orderly turnout and announcing that ballot counting will start shortly with observers present. (Overview)Why it matters: this is presented as the first direct local council vote in decades and the start of a “one-person, one-vote” process in the capital. (Significance)Source: SONNA — Benadir Local Council Elections Concludes…
• High-level endorsements and government reaction.Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated voters, calling the day a restoration of democratic rights and promising encouraging developments soon; regional leaders and ministers also praised the peaceful conduct. (Overview)Why it matters: public endorsements from national and regional officials signal political momentum behind the electoral process. (Significance)Also from: SONNA — Prime Minister hails historic vote
• International welcome from the Arab Parliament speaker.Mohammed bin Ahmed Al‑Yamahi of the Arab Parliament described the direct Benadir elections as a milestone since 1969 and urged unity, dialogue, and support for Somalia’s state‑building. (Overview)Why it matters: regional institutional support may bolster international legitimacy and encourage continued observer engagement. (Significance)Also from: SONNA — Arab Parliament Speaker welcomes direct elections
• Electoral commission inspecting polling sites during the day.NIEBC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan toured voting stations across all districts, noting long queues and robust participation and saying security agencies ensured safety. (Overview)Why it matters: on‑site inspection and public comments by the chairman aim to reassure voters and signal procedural transparency ahead of counting. (Significance)Also from: SONNA — Chairman inspects voting stations

What else happened

• Elections — Mayor and officials voted: Mogadishu’s governor and mayor Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab) publicly cast his ballot in Karaan District, highlighting the vote’s historic nature. (https://sonna.so/en/mayor-of-mogadishu-casts-his-vote-for-the-banadir-local-council-elections/)
• Elections — Media and public role praised: Information Minister Daud Aweis Jama commended national, private, and international media for contributing to an orderly vote and transparency. (https://sonna.so/en/information-minister-lauds-the-historic-local-elections-with-media-and-public-play-key-role/)
• Governance — Regional leaders congratulate voters: Presidents of Southwest State and Galmudug publicly congratulated Banadir residents and praised electoral and security authorities for a peaceful turnout. (https://sonna.so/en/southwest-state-president-congratulates-banadir-citizens-on-historic-local-elections/, https://sonna.so/en/galmudug-state-president-congratulates-banadir-residents-for-the-peaceful-local-council-elections)
• Inclusion — Persons with disabilities and elderly participated: Reports emphasize substantial turnout among elderly voters and people with special needs, with priority assistance provided at polling centers. (https://sonna.so/en/elderly-and-persons-with-disabilities-lead-historic-voting-day-in-mogadishu/, https://sonna.so/en/determination-knows-no-barriers-citizens-with-special-needs-embrace-civic-duty-in-mogadishu-polls/)

On the ground

• Long queues stretched across polling centers and included young people, elders, mothers and persons with disabilities; one account described a mother standing in line with a three‑day‑old baby. (https://sonna.so/en/chairman-of-the-national-electoral-commission-inspects-voting-stations-across-banadir-districts/)
• An 83‑year‑old voter, Hassan Mohamed Noor Afrah, said he last voted in 1960 and described this poll as safer and more attended than past elections. (https://sonna.so/en/elderly-and-persons-with-disabilities-lead-historic-voting-day-in-mogadishu/)
• Security personnel were reported assisting voters with mobility challenges and providing priority access to polling stations, helping ensure participation by people with special needs. (https://sonna.so/en/determination-knows-no-barriers-citizens-with-special-needs-embrace-civic-duty-in-mogadishu-polls/)

Watchlist

• NIEBC counting updates: the Commission said counting will begin and that it will provide regular public updates — watch for rolling tallies and official timelines. (https://sonna.so/en/benadir-local-council-elections-concludes-peacefully-vote-counting-to-begin/)
• Official results and certification: follow NIEBC releases for certified winners and any statements about disputes or recounts. (https://sonna.so/en/benadir-local-council-elections-concludes-peacefully-vote-counting-to-begin/)
• Reactions from national and regional leaders and international observers: the Prime Minister, regional presidents, and the Arab Parliament speaker have already commented — further statements may shape next steps. (https://sonna.so/en/prime-minister-hails-historic-vote-congratulates-somalis-on-restoring-democratic-rights/, https://sonna.so/en/arab-parliament-speaker-welcomes-direct-elections-in-benadir-region/)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.