JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Date: 17 April 2025
For Immediate Release
Equal Access to Voter Registration for Persons with Disabilities in Banadir
We, the undersigned Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)—Somali Disability Empowerment Network, Jubaland Disability Organization Network, Puntland Disability Organizations Network, and the Disability Aid Foundation—are united in urging the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the voter registration process and upcoming local government elections in Banadir Region.
Why It Matters
Somalia’s progress toward democracy must include all citizens. However, many PwDs face obstacles such as:
- Inaccessible registration and polling stations
- Lack of assistive services
- Limited civic and voter education
These barriers silence PwDs, weaken democratic participation, and violate basic rights
Our Recommendations
We call on:
- National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) to ensure full accessibility at all voter registration and polling sites, including ramps, signage, and trained staff.
- Ministry of Interior and the Banadir local government are to involve PwDs in all stages of the electoral process.
- Civil society, media, and development partners to deliver inclusive civic education targeting youth, women, and elderly PwDs.
- OPDs to mobilise and educate their communities on participation in registration and voting.
- PwDs themselves to exercise their right to shape the future by registering and voting.
Current Registration in Banadir
We urge youth, women, and girls with disabilities in Mogadishu and Banadir Region to participate in the ongoing voter registration. This is vital to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
Together, Let’s Build an Inclusive Democracy.
- Signed by:
Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN)
• Jubaland Disability Organisation Network
• Puntland Disability Organisations Network
• Disability Aid Foundation
