the Chairperson of the Somali Civil Society Coalition (Somalia Non-State Actors), Mr. Osman Moallim Shatah, officially inaugurated a post-election review and learning workshop focused on the Local Council elections. The event brought together a broad cross-section of trained election observers who played a key role in monitoring the Benadir Regional District Council elections, which were conducted on 25 December 2025.
The workshop served as an important platform for reflection and knowledge-sharing, allowing observers to present detailed accounts of their election observation activities. Participants exchanged field-based observations, discussed procedural strengths and gaps, and reflected on practical lessons learned from the pre-election period, election day, and immediate post-election processes. Particular emphasis was placed on documenting real-time experiences that can inform future electoral improvements.
A central focus of the discussions was the pivotal role of Somali Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in ensuring independent, impartial, and credible election monitoring. The workshop highlighted how civil society observers contributed to promoting public confidence, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing democratic accountability across all sixteen (16) districts of the Benadir Region. Their presence was widely acknowledged as a stabilizing factor in maintaining calm and orderly voting processes.
Observer teams engaged in in-depth and constructive dialogue on election-related incidents, including logistical challenges, access issues, security considerations, and voter engagement. These discussions also recognized the positive developments and improvements observed during the elections, while underscoring areas that require further attention and reform. Participants unanimously stressed the importance of sustained, independent observation as a cornerstone for protecting the integrity, fairness, freedom, and credibility of electoral processes.
The election observation mission successfully covered the majority of districts within the Benadir Region, demonstrating strong coordination and commitment among observer teams. In addition, ongoing follow-up activities, including monitoring, verification, and documentation, are being carried out to strengthen accountability mechanisms and generate evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing future electoral processes at both local and national levels.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Osman Moallim Shatah commended the observers for their dedication, professionalism, and ethical conduct, noting that their work reflects the growing capacity of Somali civil society to support democratic governance. He reiterated the coalition’s commitment to continuing its role in election observation, civic engagement, and democratic reform initiatives across Somalia.
The workshop concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony, during which observers were formally recognized for their outstanding contributions to the monitoring of the Benadir Regional Local Council elections. The certificates symbolized appreciation for their integrity, technical competence, and visible impact in upholding democratic principles and strengthening public trust in the electoral process.