MOGADISHU (SD) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (NIEC) today took a significant step related to the preparations for the upcoming elections by convening an important meeting in Mogadishu.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, who opened the meeting, stated that they had invited political organizations and initiated sensitive discussions. Abdikarim urged the leaders of these organizations to prepare for registration, as the country moves closer to political parties and public elections.

“The day we issue you the certificate and you become official political organizations, you will be the real stakeholders in Somalia’s political discourse. You will lead the way. We are committed to ensuring our country has official political parties that compete politically,” he said.

He also added that the discussions will continue, and the dialogues and meetings with political organizations will increase.

“Today’s meeting is just the beginning. The discussions will expand, and the dialogue will continue. After this, our office will remain open to you,” he emphasized.

This step by the electoral commission comes at a time when there is intense debate over the electoral process in the country, involving Villa Somalia (the presidency), opposition politicians, and some regional administrations.