Arab Parliament praises Somalia’s first direct elections in decades as historic milestone

MOGADISHU — The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, has welcomed the direct elections for the Banadir Regional Council, calling the vote a historic milestone and the first of its kind in Somalia since 1969.

In a statement issued Thursday, Al-Yamahi said the Mogadishu ballot represents a significant step in Somalia’s state-building process, strengthening democratic governance and citizenship while widening public participation in decision-making. He said the direct elections are expected to deliver positive domestic impact by bolstering ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the capital and across the country.

Al-Yamahi urged unity among Somalia’s political forces, calling on stakeholders to prioritize national interests over political differences and to pursue dialogue and consensus as the preferred path forward. He reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s full support for initiatives aimed at achieving lasting security and stability in Somalia and advancing the aspirations of the Somali people for development, peace and prosperity.

The Banadir Regional Council, which oversees the region encompassing Mogadishu, became the focus of national attention with the move to direct voting—an approach that has been largely absent from Somalia’s political life for more than five decades. The development is being closely watched by Somali political actors and international partners as a potential model for future electoral processes.

Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, months before a military coup led by Mohamed Siad Barre. Following the collapse of his regime in 1991 and years of civil conflict, the country adopted an indirect electoral system in 2004 to navigate clan-based power-sharing and widespread insecurity. That system, while instrumental in re-establishing federal institutions, has often been criticized for limiting broad citizen participation.

The Mogadishu vote is widely seen as a pivotal test case for expanding direct elections at the national level. Supporters of the shift argue that direct voting could improve political accountability and deepen legitimacy for elected bodies, particularly in urban centers where turnout and civic engagement can be higher. Advocates also frame the move as aligned with broader governance reforms aimed at consolidating federal authority and improving service delivery.

Regional organizations, including the Arab Parliament, have repeatedly backed Somalia’s gradual transition toward more representative politics, linking inclusive electoral processes to long-term peacebuilding and economic recovery. Al-Yamahi’s endorsement adds diplomatic weight to the momentum around the Banadir poll and signals continued regional support for Somalia’s institutional development.

Authorities and observers are expected to scrutinize implementation, security arrangements and public participation around the vote, with lessons likely to inform next steps in electoral planning. While significant challenges remain, the Banadir elections mark a meaningful turn in Somalia’s political trajectory, reflecting both public demand for a stronger voice and a renewed push by institutions to deliver it.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.

Friday December 26, 2025