By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 25 December 2025 The President of South West State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, on Wednesday congratulated the people of the Banadir Region for peacefully and responsibly participating in the one-person, one-vote local council elections, describing the exercise as a landmark moment in Somalia’s democratic transition.
In a statement, President Laftagareen praised Banadir residents for their political maturity and civic awareness, noting that the high level of public participation reflected a growing commitment to democratic governance and citizen-led leadership.
He said the successful conduct of the vote represents a historic step toward building a system of governance grounded in the will of the people, and a key foundation for strengthening state institutions and accountability.
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The South West State leader also commended Somalia’s security agencies, electoral commissions, and all officials involved in organizing and overseeing the elections, crediting their coordination and professionalism for ensuring the polls were held in a calm, secure, and orderly environment.
President Laftagareen urged Somalis across the country to continue engaging in the democratic process, stressing that sustained public participation is essential to achieving inclusive leadership, reinforcing national unity, and advancing long-term development.