Somalia’s Ministry of Education has announced a temporary suspension of teaching and learning activities across the Banadir Region from 21 to 25 December, to allow selected educational institutions to support preparations for upcoming district council elections.

In a statement, the Ministry said that instructional days lost during the suspension will be compensated for within the 2025–2026 academic calendar.

The pause coincides with the Banadir local council elections scheduled for 25 December, a vote widely regarded as historic. The poll is expected to mark the first time in 57 years that Somalia conducts a one-person, one-vote election at the local level.

According to reports from the National Independent Electoral Commission, more than one million voters have registered for the elections. However, as of mid-December, only about 200,000 registered voters had collected their voter cards.

Banadir Region comprises 17 districts and includes the capital, Mogadishu. The elections have drawn significant public and political attention as a potential milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance.