MOGADISHU, Somalia — A total of 390 lawmakers elected through a one-person, one-vote system were sworn in on Thursday as members of Mogadishu’s local council, in what officials described as a significant step toward restoring grassroots governance.
The members of the Banadir regional council were administered the oath by Banadir Regional Court Chairman Saalax Ali Mahmoud during a ceremony attended by senior federal and regional officials.
Officials urged the newly sworn-in councilors to serve their constituents with fairness and accountability.
The event drew ministers from the federal government, the head of the National Independent Electoral Commission and the governor of Banadir region, all of whom welcomed the development as a milestone in rebuilding local governance structures.
Speakers at the ceremony said the formation of local councils through direct elections marks a historic return to public representation after years without such a system.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission, said a timetable for upcoming local elections in Southwest State would be announced soon. The polls are expected to include elections for district councils and regional lawmakers.
He said the commission remains committed to expanding one-person, one-vote elections nationwide to ensure genuine public representation and strengthen democratic governance.
Despite the progress, opposition politicians have criticized the electoral process that led to the formation of the council, highlighting ongoing political tensions over the reforms.
