By Hassan Adan
Thousands of voters lined up outside polling stations before sunrise on Thursday, braving scorching temperatures to cast their ballots in Galmudug’s first one-person, one-vote election since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, in what authorities described as another milestone in the country’s transition to universal suffrage.
Polling centres opened across the regional state under tight security, with voting taking place in all 11 districts.
The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) said more than 215,860 registered voters were eligible to participate in the election, making Galmudug the third federal member state to hold direct elections after Banadir Regional Administration and South West State.
The vote follows constitutional amendments approved by both houses of Somalia’s Federal Parliament that introduced a legal framework for universal suffrage and a multiparty political system, replacing the long-standing indirect electoral model in which clan delegates selected lawmakers.
The Government say the reforms are a crucial step toward strengthening democratic governance, while some opposition political actors have continued to voice concerns over the implementation process.
A total of 12 political parties are contesting 89 seats in the Galmudug House of Representatives with 369 candidates, while 16 political parties have nominated 924 candidates for 243 local council seats, according to the electoral commission.
Among those casting ballots was Abdullahi Hassan Jama, a young Somali voting for the first time.
“I have waited for this day for many years. Today my vote counts, and I hope it will help build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Somalia,” Abdullahi said after leaving a polling station.
For many young Somalis, the election represents more than the selection of political leaders.
It marks the first opportunity for an entire generation to participate directly in choosing its representatives, reflecting growing public hopes for accountable leadership and democratic institutions after decades of conflict and indirect voting.
The election was originally scheduled for July 23 but was postponed by one week to allow additional logistical preparations.
Security forces were deployed across polling stations as voting proceeded peacefully, while election officials urged voters and political parties to maintain calm and respect the outcome of the polls.
