Somalia’s Electoral Commission Rejects Allegations of Forced Voter Registration in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, June 5, 2025– Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied allegations that residents in Mogadishu are being coerced into registering for upcoming local elections under threat of arrest.

In a press statement on Thursday, INEC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan described the claims circulating on social media as “false, baseless, and deliberately misleading.” He reaffirmed that voter registration is a voluntary process and emphasized that no individual can be compelled to obtain a voting card.

“Voting is a constitutional right and a personal decision,” said Chairman Abdikarim. “No Somali citizen is being forced to register. These rumors are nothing more than disinformation aimed at undermining public trust in the electoral process.”

The chairman urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the Commission and to report any cases of impersonation or misinformation. He warned against individuals or groups falsely claiming to represent the Commission or intimidating citizens under false pretenses.

The Commission’s statement comes in response to recent claims by opposition figures accusing the federal government of using coercive tactics to boost voter numbers in the capital. Voter registration began in Mogadishu in early May, with thousands of citizens already signing up to participate in the city’s first direct local elections in decades.

Despite the controversy, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, transparent, and credible electoral process.

“We are working to ensure that every eligible citizen who wishes to vote can do so without fear or pressure,” said Chairman Abdikarim. “The integrity of Somalia’s democratic process remains our top priority.”

The voter registration exercise in Mogadishu marks a critical step in the federal government’s wider efforts to transition from indirect to direct elections across Somalia. However, the process has been politically sensitive, with some federal member states and opposition leaders expressing concerns over fairness, inclusivity, and timelines.

The Commission has called on all stakeholders to support a peaceful and constructive electoral environment as Somalia moves closer to its long-delayed democratic transition.

Somali Freelancer. A Yusuf Mohamed