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Somalia’s New Electoral Commission: A Promising Start to Democratic Renewal 

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In a significant step toward strengthening democratic governance, Somalia has recently concluded a comprehensive constitutional review aimed at reforming its electoral system and redefining the structure and mandate of its electoral authority. As a result, the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) was established, replacing the former National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC).

The newly constituted NIEBC is a key institution under the revised constitutional framework. Comprising 18 commissioners, the body is tasked with overseeing and managing all levels of elections in the country, including Local Government Elections, Federal Member States Elections, and Federal Parliamentary and Presidential Elections. In its inaugural session, the Commission elected Mr. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan as its Chairperson.

Following parliamentary approval on November 26, 2024, and presidential appointments on December 1, 2024, the NIEBC began operations with a clear mandate and sense of urgency. In just six months, it has made remarkable progress in reviving Somalia’s electoral infrastructure and advancing toward the realization of “one person, one vote”.

The Commission’s early efforts focused on building internal capacity and institutional integrity. Commissioners held a four-week working retreat during which they drafted an organizational structure, established five sub-committees, reviewed electoral laws, and adopted a comprehensive code of conduct to ensure neutrality and transparency across all operations.

The NIEBC has prioritized public consultation and political inclusivity. Meetings with elders, women, youth, and political stakeholders have informed key policy decisions. Notably, the Commission interpreted existing political party laws to allow a two-stage registration process, enabling 43 political associations to gain provisional status. It also oversaw by-elections to fill four vacant seats in the House of the People.

With a functional structure in place, the Commission adopted a phased electoral preparation plan for the 2025 local council elections, currently scheduled to take place later this year. Voter registration operations are already underway, marking a critical step toward credible and inclusive polls.

A milestone event occurred on April 15, 2025, when the NIEBC launched Mogadishu’s first biometric voter registration drive in nearly six decades, starting in the historic Shangani District. Thousands of citizens—men, women, youth, elderly, and persons with disabilities—lined up to enroll. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, visiting the registration center the following day, hailed the turnout as “a victory for Somalia.” The registration drive has since expanded to all 16 districts of Mogadishu, supported by over 60 static centers and 20 mobile teams staffed by NIEBC-trained technicians and monitored by party agents, civil society observers, and journalists.

To ensure wide public participation, the NIEBC has launched a nationwide civic education campaign across multiple media platforms, including radio, television, and social media, with special efforts to reach youth through local influencers. A toll-free voter information hotline has also been established to assist citizens with registration inquiries in real time.

The next phase begins on June 10, 2025, when voter registration will expand to the Federal Member States. The Commission will soon publish a final operational plan, budget, and election calendar. If current momentum is sustained, Somalia could see its first universal local government elections later this year—a historic step in consolidating democratic governance.

Through its swift institutional development, inclusive outreach, and transparent electoral operations, the NIEBC is laying the groundwork for a more participatory and accountable  political future in Somalia.