MOGADISHU— The Federal Government of Somalia on Wednesday began deploying security forces across key roads in Mogadishu as final preparations continue for the Banadir Regional Council elections scheduled for Thursday, December 25.

The deployment includes police and other security units tasked with securing polling locations and safeguarding major routes across the capital. Officers were seen in significant numbers on 30th Street (Wadada 30-ka), where police maintained a heightened state of readiness.

Senior police commanders and election commission officials also held an overnight meeting in Mogadishu to finalise the election-day security plan, with discussions focusing on preventing security incidents and implementing procedures to ensure the vote proceeds peacefully.

According to the election commission, the Banadir council vote will be conducted through a party-based system rather than direct candidate elections. Voters are expected to choose from political parties and organisations, with the number of participating groups reported to be up to 20.

Separately, the government has announced that some major roads in Mogadishu will be closed on Thursday as part of security arrangements. Authorities also said flights to and from Aden Adde International Airport will be temporarily suspended during the security operation.