Galmudug Holds First Direct One‑Person‑One‑Vote Election in Somalia

Thousands of voters lined up before sunrise to cast ballots in Galmudug’s first one‑person‑one‑vote election, a milestone in Somalia’s shift to universal suffrage. The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) confirmed more than 215,000 registered voters across the state’s 11 districts in Mudug and Galgaduud. Twelve political parties contested 89 seats in the regional House of Representatives, while 16 parties fielded 924 candidates for 243 local council seats. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. under tight security and voting proceeded peacefully, despite earlier delays and political controversy. The election follows similar direct polls in Banadir and South West State and reflects Somalia’s broader democratic reform agenda.