Mogadishu Steps Toward Direct Democracy

Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, is making a big move. It's holding municipal elections. This is a first step towards something huge: direct national elections. The last time Somalia had direct national elections was way back in 1969. That's over 50 years ago! Since then, things have been different. After a long civil war, Somalia switched to indirect elections. In this system, clan leaders pick lawmakers. Then, those lawmakers choose the president. Some people think this system is better. It helps different clans work together. But others argue it's not fair. They say it lets politicians cheat the system. Now, Mogadishu is trying something new. Over 1, 600 candidates are running for 390 spots in local councils. These councils will then pick a mayor. It's a test to see if direct elections can work in Somalia.But there are big challenges. The city has about 3 million people. It's safer now than before, but there are still attacks. The al Shabaab group, linked to al Qaeda, still causes trouble. They control some areas and attack big cities. A new law passed in 2024 says everyone should be able to vote. But not everyone agrees. Some leaders say the country isn't safe enough for mass voting. Others think the new system might help the current president get re-elected. The vote in Mogadishu is a big deal. It shows Somalia is trying to move forward. But it's not easy. There are still many questions. Can direct elections work in Somalia? Is the country safe enough? Only time will tell.