MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s authorities has intensified a coercive marketing campaign to register voters for a contentious unilateral election, forcibly rounding up civilians at bus stations, markets, and public areas within the capital, Mogadishu, witnesses and residents mentioned.
The heavy-handed tactic, which has escalated in latest weeks, noticed armed troops stationed on the bustling Bakara market on Wednesday, intercepting passersby and compelling them to register at a close-by middle operated by the disputed Nationwide Election Fee.
The transfer has triggered widespread anger, with movies of torn voter IDs circulating on social media as a type of protest.
Hussein Sabrie, an area resident, recounted how his good friend was captured by safety forces earlier than they may meet. “My good friend Farahsane Mire, with whom I had an appointment to fulfill on the market, is being held by them. He informed them, ‘I’m speeding someplace, let me come again for you,’ however they nonetheless refused,” he mentioned on X.
“Is President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud making an attempt to show folks in opposition to one-person, one-vote election?,” he requested.
The federal government’s push for a unilateral one-person-one-vote mannequin—opposed by federal states like Jubaland and Puntland, in addition to opposition leaders—has drawn sharp criticism. Detractors argue the method is neither inclusive nor possible, accusing Mohamud of utilizing it to delay elections and consolidate energy.
Earlier, authorities had shuttered colleges and universities to pressure scholar registrations after voluntary sign-ups lagged. The U.S. has beforehand warned Mogadishu in opposition to unilaterally altering electoral and constitutional frameworks with out consensus.
As public frustration mounts, the legitimacy of the election—and the federal government’s heavy-handed techniques—faces rising scrutiny.
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