Residents of Somalia’s capital voted on Thursday in local council elections, marking the first direct vote in Mogadishu in more than five decades.
The polls opened at 6am local time across the city, drawing long lines of voters to stations secured under tight security measures.
The vote represents a milestone in Somalia’s political history, though it unfolded amid boycotts and sharp criticism from opposition figures.
Officials described the election as a step toward restoring universal suffrage after decades of indirect, clan-based governance.
About half a million residents registered to vote for 390 district council seats across Mogadishu. Roughly 1,605 candidates competed in the polls, which were held at 523 polling stations throughout the capital.
Authorities imposed a city-wide lockdown, closing roads, businesses, and halting flights at the main airport during voting.
Nearly 10,000 security personnel were deployed to polling stations, reflecting ongoing concerns about militant violence.
Security in Mogadishu has improved in recent years, despite continued attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab.
Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, shortly before a military coup led by Mohamed Siad Barre.
After the collapse of Barre’s rule in 1991 and years of civil war, the country adopted an indirect electoral system in 2004.
Under that framework, clan representatives select lawmakers, who then choose the president and other key officials.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to transition Somalia to universal suffrage at local and national levels.
His government secured parliamentary approval for constitutional reforms and established a national electoral commission to manage the shift.
Opposition leaders have criticised the Mogadishu vote, accusing authorities of excluding rivals and rushing the process.
Some federal member states, including Puntland and Jubbaland, rejected the framework and threatened to pursue separate elections.
Critics argue the local vote is premature and lacks broad political consensus.
Analysts say the election carries symbolic weight but limited immediate political risk for the government.
The vote also comes as Somalia faces mounting security challenges and uncertainty over international support.
Al-Shabab launched a major offensive earlier this year, reversing some government territorial gains.
International partners have raised concerns about security and funding shortfalls for peacekeeping forces.
Despite the controversy, the Mogadishu election is viewed by officials as a test run for broader direct elections planned in the coming years.