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Somalia Holds First Direct Local Elections in Mogadishu Since 1969, NUSOJ Reports
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has released a comprehensive observation report on the historic Banadir Local Council Elections held on December 25, 2025, marking Mogadishu’s first direct local elections in nearly six decades.
The report, based on structured monitoring conducted between November 1 and December 30, 2025, documents what NUSOJ describes as a “historic political milestone” for Somalia’s capital. The elections saw 1,604 candidates competing for 390 seats across Mogadishu’s district councils, representing the first step in Somalia’s broader transition toward direct political participation.
Security was a primary concern during the electoral process, with authorities deploying approximately 10,000 troops and imposing a city-wide lockdown on election day. Despite these restrictions, the report confirms that the election proceeded without documented incidents of violence or unrest—a significant achievement for a city that has experienced decades of conflict.
“This was the first peaceful direct election in Mogadishu and Somalia as a whole for the majority of the population who were born and raised after the last direct elections,” the report notes. NUSOJ also confirmed that no attacks were recorded against journalists or news media outlets during the voting process.
To monitor the media landscape surrounding the elections, NUSOJ established a dedicated monitoring unit at its Mogadishu headquarters. The team tracked coverage across radio, television, online news, and social media platforms including Facebook, X, and TikTok, focusing on access to information, fairness, accuracy, and the spread of misinformation.
The report found that radio remained Somalia’s most influential information source during the election, accounting for approximately 58% of audience reach. Television followed at 29%, while online media represented 13%. Print media played a negligible role, with only one independent newspaper in circulation.
In preparation for the elections, NUSOJ partnered with the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) to train 102 journalists on election procedures, media ethics, and professional standards. This initiative aimed to strengthen responsible reporting and counter disinformation during the electoral process.
One of the report’s key findings highlights the superior performance of private media outlets compared to state media in delivering balanced coverage. While private outlets generally adhered to the jointly signed code of conduct and made efforts to correct errors promptly, state media showed bias toward the ruling Justice and Solidarity Party, failing to provide equitable access to all political competitors.
The accreditation system facilitated broad coverage by 28 local and 12 international news organizations, though the report noted inconsistent enforcement of access rules. In total, 62 local and 32 international journalists received credentials to cover the historic vote.
A significant concern highlighted by NUSOJ was the deteriorating information environment online. The report found that misinformation and disinformation were “moderate to high” before election day, briefly declined during voting, then “rose sharply” in the days following the polls. This trend “undermined public trust and intensified political polarization,” according to the report.
These misleading narratives came from multiple sources, including government officials, opposition politicians, and social media users, with some activity linked to accounts operating outside Somalia. The report specifically noted how opposition figures leveraged clan identity to “undermine the electoral process and increase political tension.”
NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman emphasized the importance of media integrity in the democratic process: “Somalia’s democratic transition will depend not only on peaceful voting but also on the integrity of the information citizens rely on to make their choices. This report shows that professional journalism can strengthen elections, and media freedom is an indispensable benchmark for credible elections.”
The report concludes that while the Banadir elections represent a positive step for Somalia’s democratic development, they also highlight the urgent need to address misinformation, protect journalistic independence, and build national mechanisms for countering divisive content online before future electoral cycles.
Overall, NUSOJ describes the Banadir elections as “peaceful, orderly and encouragingly successful,” providing important lessons as Somalia continues its challenging path toward democratic governance after decades of conflict and instability.
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7 Comments
Interesting to see Somalia taking steps toward more direct democracy, even with security concerns. The peaceful nature of these local elections in Mogadishu is an encouraging sign.
Agreed, it’s positive that the elections proceeded without violence, despite the challenges. Local governance is a critical building block for Somalia’s stability and development.
This election report highlights the challenges of ensuring fair and credible elections, especially in regions with a history of conflict. Maintaining professional media coverage and combating disinformation will be key.
You’re right, disinformation is a major threat to the integrity of elections, even in relatively peaceful contexts. Strengthening media independence and public awareness will be crucial.
It’s encouraging to see Somalia take steps toward more direct political participation at the local level. The peaceful nature of these Banadir elections, despite the security challenges, is a promising sign for the country’s future.
Securing elections in conflict-affected regions like Somalia requires a delicate balance. While the report highlights professional media coverage, the threat of disinformation remains a concern that needs to be actively addressed.
A historic milestone for Somalia to hold its first direct local elections in Mogadishu since 1969. The peaceful nature of the process, despite security concerns, is a positive sign for the country’s democratic development.