MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The Somali government has intensified a controversial voter registration campaign, with numerous reports alleging that security forces are forcibly compelling citizens to register—raising alarms about the legitimacy and safety of the upcoming “one person, one vote” election.
According to videos circulating on Somali social media, armed security personnel have been diverting fully loaded passenger buses during morning commutes in Mogadishu, forcing passengers to register at designated centers. Many residents have expressed frustration, saying the practice delays them from reaching work and disrupts their daily routines.
In several neighborhoods, homes have reportedly been raided by security forces, who then escort residents to registration centers via government-arranged buses.
This week, the campaign took a deadly turn when a transport driver en route from Mogadishu to Somalia’s central regions was reportedly ordered to turn back and register. When he refused, he was allegedly shot in the head by soldiers and later died from his injuries. The victim’s family insists he was killed for declining to register. Local media sources have corroborated the family’s account. However, the Somali Electoral Commission denied the claim, saying the incident stemmed from an altercation at a security checkpoint, not voter registration.
The Somali government has pledged to hold its first direct election under a “one person, one vote” model, despite challenges of logistics, security, and political trust. However, critics say the government’s reliance on force to drive voter registration undermines public confidence in the process—especially given that its control remains largely confined to Mogadishu.
Observers warn that forcibly registering voters may result in an election with questionable participation and legitimacy, especially in areas beyond federal government reach.
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