on 25 December 2025 the elections were conducted across 16 districts, 213 polling centers, and 523 polling posts. More than half a million voters participated, out of one million people who had previously registered to vote.
The number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) who registered for the Banadir Regional elections reached 22,500. The Somali Disability Network (SDN), a national coalition of organizations of persons with disabilities in Somalia, played a significant role in mobilizing, raising awareness, and encouraging persons with disabilities to participate in voter registration, obtain voter cards, and take part in the voting process itself.
Voting officially began on 25 December 2025, with large numbers of citizens turning out with their voter cards. SDN worked specifically to organize and support persons with disabilities by facilitating their participation in the elections and providing both technical and financial assistance, including transportation and other forms of specialized support for those in need.
The participation of persons with disabilities in the Banadir Regional Local Council elections represents a major and historic achievement. Persons with disabilities not only cast their votes, but some also stood as candidates for local council positions in the Banadir Region, demonstrating meaningful progress and genuine democratic inclusion.
