In June and September 2025, Somalia is set to conduct its local and parliamentary elections, respectively.
Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of the political narrative, Somalia’s top brass have inked a deal to undertake municipal elections by June 2025, to be trailed by parliamentary polls in the September of the same year. This was unveiled in a statement from the National Consultative Council (NCC) this past Wednesday.
Underscoring the significance of transparent polls sprouting from a multi-party framework, the NCC rallied for empowering Somali folks to handpick their own delegates. Urgency clings to legislation related to elections, party systems, and electoral borders, as leaders have insisted they land in the federal parliament forthwith.
The federal heads and trios from regional realms urged the cabinet to wrap up the formation of the Independent National Commission for Elections and Boundaries, spotlighting the vital role of mapping out a meticulous schedule to guarantee a seamless electoral dance aligning with national statutes.
This NCC powwow paraded figures such as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, Mogadishu’s Mayor Sheikh Hussein Jimale, and the presidents of Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug. Noticeably absent were the leaders from Jubbaland and Northeastern State, who shunned the gathering, a move that could blur the meeting’s resolutions.
There’s been an incessant tug-of-war between Northeastern State’s chief, Said Deni, and the federal echelon ever since this government geared up in 2022. Meanwhile, Jubbaland’s honcho, Ahmed Madobe, did make an appearance at the NCC congregation but skedaddled prematurely, vociferously demanding the inclusion of Northeastern State and Khatumo, a crucial step to legitimize the elections nationwide.
Dissenters, featuring previous President Mohamed Farmaajo and Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, took umbrage with the NCC statement, arguing it was bereft of collective agreement and failed to mirror the thoughts of all key players.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
