Mogadishu, Somalia – The Government of Somalia has commenced training for police officers assigned to secure the upcoming one-person, one-vote elections. This training is an essential component of preparations for the historic elections, which will be the first of their kind in Somalia.

The National Election Commission and its partners are overseeing the training process, with the Chairman of the Commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hasan, stressing that the police officers are being trained to ensure the safety and security of the election process, especially during the voter registration phase in the Banadir region.

In his remarks, the Chairman noted that voter registration will begin in Banadir and will gradually expand to other regions, including Galmudug, South West State, Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and SSC-Khatumo.

Although the Chairman did not address specific plans for voter registration in Puntland, the Election Commission recently confirmed that all necessary equipment for conducting the one-person, one-vote elections has been received. These elections are a major milestone for Somalia, as they will mark the first time direct elections are held in the country.