MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a bold move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the country will proceed with direct elections, dismissing the cacophony of dissent from critics. This decision sparks a fresh chapter of political deliberation in Somalia, a nation that last experienced direct voting in 1969.

Political discord and debate have been the norm for two years, with President Mohamud advocating for substantial constitutional revamps. The shift would transition Somalia from its entrenched three-decade-old indirect electoral system to a direct voting model.

Nevertheless, apprehensions linger among some leaders who are wary of adopting universal suffrage. These detractors point to the delicate state of national stability and the ominous presence of Al-Shabaab as obstacles yet to be conquered.

Northeastern State stands in staunch opposition, labeling the constitutional reconfigurations as “unlawful,” choosing to suspend collaboration with Mogadishu for the past year. Under President Mohamud’s administration, Somalia navigates through one of its gravest crises.

Undeterred, President Mohamud reasserted on Wednesday that the forthcoming leader will emerge from a genuine electoral process, ushering in a one-person, one-vote system—a milestone unseen in half a century. Yet, challenges loom, given the ongoing security menace from Al-Shabaab and limited government control over various regions.

Last week, causing further ripples, Jubaland’s leader Ahmed Madobe exited the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, arguing that synchronizing state elections with national timetables might inadvertently lengthen office terms. Notably absent is a dedicated electoral commission to oversee such polls.

Ilyas Osman Lugator, Northeastern State’s Vice President, voiced grievances against the Somali federal authorities, suggesting that the contested constitutional shifts threaten the cohesion and unity of Somalia’s Federal System.

President Mohamud, undeterred by detractors, launched a sharp retort, accusing them of feeding Somalia’s internal discord to foreign entities. He called upon fellow politicians to honor national sovereignty and refrain from such detrimental disclosures.

“Spreading a negative portrayal of our country to outsiders is intolerable, be it from anyone, myself included. Such actions cannot be condoned,” warned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sternly to his opponents.