Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative

MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline.

It’s worth noting that this vote was held on a Sunday, despite the expiration of the local administration’s mandate. This comes at a critical juncture for Somalia, a nation on the brink of a significant transition. The country is gearing up for a historic shift from an outdated indirect voting system towards embracing a one-person, one-vote model for the first time in decades. This evolution isn’t merely bureaucratic; it represents the hopes and aspirations of a populace long deprived of their right to vote.

“What happened in Balcad is a clear violation of national agreements and federal laws,” stated Balcad in a forthright message shared through his official Facebook page. The minister’s words echo the sentiments of many who view this act as a potential destabilizer of the peaceful communities that have struggled, often against the odds, to maintain harmony in tumultuous times.

Delving deeper, Balcad specifically pointed to the May 2023 National Consultative Council (NCC) agreement, a document that delineated a clear path towards transitioning away from clan-based indirect voting. Remarkably, this agreement had the backing of the federal government as well as prominent regional leaders, including President Gudlawe himself. The question now lingers: why would a leader choose to go against the collective will of their peers?

In an appeal for unity, Balcad urged Gudlawe to align with fellow federal member state presidents such as Ahmed Qoor Qoor of Galmudug and Abdiaziz Laftagareen of South West, both of whom have publicly committed to participating in the upcoming direct elections. “At a time when voter registration is actively taking place and the country is uniting behind electoral reform, it is deeply troubling that Hirshabelle is reverting to outdated systems that can provoke clan tensions,” he opined. It invites one to ponder: how can a nation strive for peace when its leaders seem to undermine the very systems designed to enhance it?

The upcoming elections hold a historical significance that cannot be overstated. They promise to be the first universal suffrage elections that Somalia has seen in decades, moving away from a process that allowed elders and clan delegates to dictate leadership. This innovation is seen as a critical step towards enhancing democracy, improving political accountability, and, perhaps most importantly, nurturing civic engagement among ordinary citizens.

However, Balcad issued a stark warning that unilateral actions—like the controversial vote in Balcad—could jeopardize this national progress, igniting local disputes that may further divide the already fragmented political landscape. The dangers of reverting to clan-based power structures are immense; history has shown us time and again how easily tensions can flare in such environments. As individuals, and as a nation, can we afford to risk the stability that has, until now, seemed achievable?

In closing, it is evident that for Somalia to grasp the full implications of its aspirations, a collective effort is required. Leaders must not only embrace the agreed-upon reforms but also actively foster an environment where dialogue and collaboration can thrive. Together, they have the possibility to shape a narrative of unity, resilience, and enduring hope. A new chapter awaits—the question is, will the leaders of today rise to the occasion?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring