Somali capital holds first direct election in five decades
Summary
For the first time in over 50 years, residents of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, are voting directly in local council elections. About half a million people registered to vote, despite opposition parties boycotting the election, and authorities ensured tight security throughout the city. The government aims to move away from the clan-based political system that has been in place for many years.Key Facts
- Mogadishu held its first direct local elections in over 50 years.
- Polling stations opened with around half a million registered voters.
- 1,605 candidates are competing for 390 council seats.
- Almost 10,000 police officers were deployed to maintain security.
- The government has improved security in Mogadishu but still fights al-Shabab.
- Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, before a military coup.
- The current government wants to transition to universal voting for all elections.
- Two key regions, Puntland and Jubbaland, rejected this voting framework.
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