Mogadishu, September 2025 – A new survey by Independence House has found that while most Somalis are aware of the ongoing voter registration, significant doubts remain about the fairness and security of the process.

The survey, conducted with 336 respondents in Banaadir Region, shows that 77.6 percent of Somalis are aware of upcoming elections and more than half (53.8 percent) have registered successfully. However, trust in the process is low, with only 38.5 percent expressing confidence that registration will be fair. Nearly one in four respondents (22.6 percent) reported feeling pressured to register, raising concerns about coercion.

Despite these challenges, the majority of respondents (62.1 percent) said they intend to vote, with a desire for change in leadership (42.7 percent) emerging as the strongest motivator.

The survey also highlights structural and political obstacles. Almost a third of citizens have yet to register, citing barriers such as lack of information, distance to registration centres, and lack of documents. On the political front, Jubaland and Puntland have rejected the new electoral law, while opposition groups accuse the Federal Government of tilting the process in its favour. At the same time, a resurgent Al-Shabaab continues to threaten security and access in parts of the country.

“Somalia’s shift to one-person, one-vote elections is historic, but legitimacy will depend on building trust, ensuring inclusivity, and resolving disputes,” the report concludes.

The full survey report is available here: Baseline survey on voter registration