Somalia’s First Lady, Marwo Sahro, has registered as a voter
in a landmark national exercise, marking a pivotal step in the country’s
democratic journey toward universal suffrage.
The First Lady completed her registration in Dharkeenley
District, located in the Banadir region, where she joined hundreds of citizens
who turned out to take part in the historic drive.
Speaking after registering as a voter, Marwo expressed
optimism about the success of the voter registration process and encouraged
Somalis from all walks of life to actively participate.
“This is a national duty that goes beyond casting a vote.
Getting a voter’s card is a powerful symbol of citizenship. It is a chance for
every Somali to express their voice, demonstrate their confidence in the
future, and take part in shaping the destiny of our nation,” she said.
The First Lady commended the efforts of government agencies,
civil society, and the Somali people in advancing democratic reforms—especially
the move toward direct elections.
She emphasized that the one-person, one-vote process is key to building a representative and accountable government rooted in the will of the people.
The initiative is part of Somalia’s broader effort to
transition from a clan-based, indirect electoral system to a one-person,
one-vote model.
The new approach promises to empower ordinary citizens by
giving them a direct voice in the election of their leaders.
Somalia is preparing to hold its presidential and
parliamentary elections in 2026. This will be the first nationwide election
under the one-person, one-vote system.
Previously, Somalia used a complex and indirect political
system in which political parties did not contest elections. Only a few
thousand people voted for a parliament that would represent the nation.
The 275-member House of the People was chosen by delegates
appointed by clan elders and members of civil society selected by regional
state officials. These MPs then voted for a president to lead the country.
The 54-member upper chamber, the Senate, representing
Somalia's five regional states, also took part in the presidential vote.
