Announcement of opening registration for political organizations in Somalia

Announcement of opening registration for political organizations in Somalia

 The National Elections and Federal Boundaries Commission (NEBC) on Monday announced the opening of registration for political organizations ahead of the upcoming one-person-one-vote elections. 

The commission’s chairman, Abdulkarim Ahmed, said the 110 previously registered organizations must meet the updated registration requirements and abide by the new electoral laws. Meanwhile, new organizations must also follow the formal registration procedures.

“From January 20 to March 31, political organizations can register. There will be no fees for already registered organizations and they will be issued certificates under the new regulations,” Abdul Karim said. The commission plans to expand voter access by increasing the number of polling stations from the 300 previously set by the previous commission to 800 nationwide. Officials will begin marking these new polling stations next week.

This announcement comes at a time when the states of Puntland and Jubaland and other political parties oppose the electoral program set by the Somali government, and demand an agreement first on how the elections will be held in Somalia, and these parties indicate that the prevailing conditions in the country do not allow for holding a general vote.