Editorial —Between the Bullet and the Light: Mogadishu’s Defining Election

“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”.- George Orwell (1905-1950)

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.