By Dawan Africa - Reporter
“Your vote matters in an election — it can either be a bullet to the head of justice or a light on the path to freedom; for between the bullet and the light lies the measure of a person’s worth and awareness — in what they choose to kill or to save.”
Often attributed to George Orwell
As Mogadishu prepares to vote tomorrow in its long-awaited local council elections, the city stands at one of the most consequential turning points in its modern history. This is more than a procedural exercise — it is a civic reckoning, a collective moment of choice that will define what kind of city we want to build and what kind of citizens we choose to be.
For decades, Mogadishu’s story has been one of extraordinary endurance. It has witnessed the best and worst of the Somali spirit: destruction and rebirth, despair and hope, conflict and reconciliation. Yet through all this, its people have never surrendered their will to live and rebuild. From the fishermen along Liido Beach to the teachers in Hamar Jajab and the traders in Bakara Market, the pulse of Mogadishu beats with resilience. Now, that same heartbeat must echo in the ballot boxes — through conscious, courageous, and principled voting.
Beyond Clan and Connection
For far too long, elections across Somalia — including at the local level — have been shadowed by clan loyalties, money politics, and personal connections. Voters are often pressured to align with kinship or patronage networks instead of policies, performance, or integrity. This mindset has crippled governance and weakened public trust.
Tomorrow’s elections must mark a clean break from that legacy of division and dependency. Voters should remember a simple truth: clan cannot pave roads, clan cannot collect garbage, and clan cannot make schools function. Only capable, ethical, and accountable leadership can.
Cities are reborn when citizenship rises above clanhood, and ballots become acts of conscience rather than allegiance. Choosing leaders based on competence and service — not lineage — is the foundation of genuine local democracy.
The Weight of a Single Vote
Every vote carries moral weight. A careless choice can legitimize corruption, empower incompetence, and silence reform. A thoughtful vote — cast with a vision for the common good — can help ignite a transformation that lasts far beyond a single term.
This is why civic education and transparency matter. The process must be inclusive, accessible, and accountable. Women, youth, and internally displaced residents must feel that their voices count equally. Civil society, community elders, and the media share a responsibility to ensure voters understand what is at stake and how to make informed choices.
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Democracy is not a one-day event; it is a culture. That culture begins when citizens refuse to sell their votes, reject manipulation, and commit to holding those elected accountable long after the ballots are counted.
Building a Livable City
Mogadishu is more than a capital — it is home. It deserves leadership that imagines clean streets, functional schools, safe neighborhoods, public parks, and dignified public services. The true measure of governance is not found in slogans or ceremonies, but in the quality of daily life.
Local councils should prioritize urban planning, waste management, youth employment, women’s inclusion, and public transport. They should focus on making Mogadishu work — not for the powerful few, but for the ordinary citizen striving each day to make a living.
When voters choose leaders who place education above ego, justice above job titles, and service above self-interest, the benefits extend beyond the city. A well-governed Mogadishu can inspire Hargeisa, Kismayo, Garowe, and Baidoa — setting a meaningful example for local democracy across Somalia.
The Moral Imperative of Hope
What we decide now will shape the moral direction of our capital. Will we use our votes to deepen cynicism and corruption — or to restore faith in collective progress?
A generation from now, our children will ask what we did when given the power to choose. Let us ensure they inherit a city that breathes, not one that bleeds — a city defined by opportunity, justice, and dignity.
Our votes may be small acts, but together they can move history. Between the bullet and the light, between the wound and the healing, let the choice be clear.
Choose the light.
