Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Independent Electoral Commission and Boundaries (NIECB) has conducted an inspection of several polling stations in preparation for the highly anticipated one-person, one-vote local council elections.

During the visit, commission officials assessed the infrastructure and operational readiness of polling stations across key districts. They also held discussions with local authorities from Xamar Jajab, Xamar Weyne, Waberi, and Warta-Nabada in the Banadir region to evaluate their preparedness for the upcoming elections.

“Officials from Xamar Jajab, Xamar Weyne, Waberi, and Warta-Nabada districts have declared their readiness for the one-person, one-vote local council elections,” the commission stated in an official release.

This inspection is part of the commission’s broader efforts to ensure a smooth and transparent election process. As part of their preparations, the electoral body has announced plans to establish over 300 polling stations, with additional locations to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, the total number of polling stations is expected to reach 800, significantly expanding access to voting centers. This expansion aims to boost voter participation, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to elect their local representatives freely and fairly.

The upcoming local council elections mark a significant milestone in Somalia’s democratic progress, as they represent one of the first widespread direct elections in the country in decades. The NIECB has reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation and strong institutional oversight.