Somalia's capital holds first direct elections in over five decades

More than 500,000 voters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the country's first direct national elections in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026.

Somalia's National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said some 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties are running for 390 posts in district councils in Mogadishu, in a vote viewed as crucial to dismantling the country's long-standing clan-based political system.

The vote marks the first direct election held in Mogadishu in decades. According to the electoral body, 523 polling stations across 16 districts opened at 06:00 local time (0300 GMT) and are due to close at 18:00 (1500 GMT), with results expected on Friday.

Ahead of the vote, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the municipal elections are a milestone for the revival of the government and security of the capital, urging registered voters to exercise their constitutional rights. "I am so happy and excited since I have voted after 56 years. I am so happy about that. I would like to thank the leadership of our country for realizing this dream with a peaceful environment, especially here in the capital Mogadishu, which many doubted," said Ali Ahmed Aden, a local voter.

"When I hear about indirect polls, I get upset because I had no say on the decision, but today, this process belongs to me. I have the choice to vote for and against any candidate, and I prefer those who brighten my future and that of our nation," said Sahra Ali Yussuf, another voter.

Authorities said extensive security measures were in place amid concerns over possible attacks by al-Shabab militants. Security was visibly tight across the capital, with a curfew imposed overnight to restrict traffic.

Several opposition parties, however, announced a boycott of the vote, alleging electoral fraud.

Voters in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the breakaway region of Somaliland are not participating in the elections.

Somalia's capital holds first direct elections in over five decades

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal.

He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory.

Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas.

Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said.

He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days."

Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.

Iran's FM says signing of MoU with US possible within few days