MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn Observer) — A coalition of Puntland State and Jubbaland administrations and opposition leaders, calling itself the Somalia Future Council, unveiled a fresh transitional electoral blueprint this week aimed at breaking the country’s long-running stalemate over how leaders should be chosen.
On June 20, the council rolled out what it described as a “Transitional Direct Elections Model,” presenting the plan as a way to balance Somalis’ demand for direct voting with the realities of the nation’s current power-sharing arrangements during a transitional phase.
Officials behind the proposal said it is designed to act as a political compromise that could close gaps between rival camps on the electoral question and pave the way for an inclusive vote that commands wide acceptance.
The alliance urged political actors across Somalia to enter into thorough talks to hammer out an electoral consensus. It also called for the Federal Government to halt the electoral process now underway until parties agree on a common framework.
According to the council’s statement, further specifics about the model — including its core principles and how it would be implemented — will be laid out in forthcoming discussions intended to resolve outstanding political and electoral disputes.
The release arrives as Somali leaders continue to spar over the format and timing of national elections, and as pressure mounts for a negotiated settlement that can deliver stability and broad participation at the ballot box.
