Somalia extends political party registration as June elections near

Somalia’s electoral body has granted political groups more time to complete registration ahead of the country’s upcoming local elections, which are expected to mark a historic return to direct voting.

The National Independent Electoral Commission announced on Monday that the registration deadline for political associations has been extended by nine days, now running from April 22 to April 30, 2025.

The extension is aimed at easing concerns over delays in paperwork and giving all qualifying parties a fair chance to meet the legal and procedural requirements.

It is the second such adjustment by the Commission as Somalia prepares to hold its first one-person, one-vote elections in more than 50 years.

Commission Chairperson Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan said the decision was made following feedback from various political associations.

"We are committed to providing equitable access to the process and ensuring that all political associations meeting the requirements have a chance to participate," said the Commission in a statement.

According to the Commission, many associations have been slow to submit required documentation, while others formally appealed for more time.

These factors led the electoral body to issue another extension to ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The Commission emphasized that the revised schedule is meant to encourage broader political engagement and avoid excluding potential participants due to logistical setbacks.

It maintained that the extension would help create a level playing field ahead of the June polls.

The planned elections have been widely described as a milestone in Somalia’s political journey, as the country moves away from its traditional indirect voting systems.

Since the 1960s, Somalia has relied on clan-based arrangements and power-sharing deals to elect leaders, but the upcoming elections aim to establish a more direct and democratic method.

Voter registration is already underway in the capital, Mogadishu, where thousands of residents have begun receiving identification cards.

The exercise is being carried out in districts such as Hamarweyne, Shangani, Boondheere, and Shibis, under the supervision of electoral officials and local authorities.

The process is seen as a crucial step toward the successful delivery of the elections.

However, not all stakeholders are in agreement with the current approach taken by the federal government and the Commission.

Political figures from regions such as Puntland and Jubbaland have raised concerns over the pace and transparency of the preparations.

Some opposition leaders argue that the elections are being pushed forward without broad-based agreement or proper groundwork.

They claim the government has not addressed essential elements like a clear legal framework, adequate security measures, and full administrative readiness. These issues, they say, need to be resolved to prevent disputes during and after the polls.