MOGADISHU, December 24, 2025 (Somalia Tribune) – The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has published the official list of candidates set to contest tomorrow’s Banadir local council elections, clearing the way for a vote that will shape governance across Mogadishu’s districts.
The polls will determine the composition of local councils in the Banadir region, where districts have been grouped into two categories. Category A districts will elect councils of 27 members, while Category B districts will have 21 members each. In total, the elections will cover all 16 districts of Mogadishu.
According to the commission, 20 political parties are taking part in the race. Together, they have fielded 1,604 candidates, reflecting intense competition for local leadership positions in the capital.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) leads the field by a wide margin. The ruling party submitted 390 candidates, effectively contesting every available seat across the region.
The candidate list also offers a snapshot of the political landscape. Men make up 77 percent of those running, while women account for 23 percent. Youth dominate the race, with 69 percent of all candidates under the age of 36, highlighting the growing role of younger Somalis in local politics.
While the commission has yet to release figures on how many registered voters have collected their voter cards, the data suggests that young candidates are likely to play a decisive role in the outcome.
Meanwhile, the NIEBC says preparations are ongoing at designated polling stations ahead of the vote. This work continues despite objections from some groups, as authorities push to ensure the elections proceed as scheduled.
