Electoral Body Confirms 2026 One-Person, One-Vote Elections Despite Boycott Threats
Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia stands at the threshold of a significant political evolution. The National Electoral Commission, undeterred by dissent from two states and select opposition factions, remains steadfast in its dedication to orchestrate a universal suffrage election in 2026.
Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, with commendable zeal, announced on Thursday the strides made towards this monumental election. Could there be a more potent symbol of progress in Somalia’s political landscape than this? According to Hassan, the commission has seamlessly weaved through the challenging political tapestry, dispatching teams to a plethora of regions and districts, connecting with both local luminaries and the general populace.
“The public is ready to embrace a one-person, one-vote system. People are eager to elect the leaders they want,” Hassan proclaimed, his words imbued with optimism. This anticipation for electoral change resonates deeply within communities yearning for democratic participation.
Local council elections, set for June 2025 in the southern and central regions of Somalia, arguably mark a pivotal step in the nation’s journey away from entrenched clan-based politics. These elections are not mere administrative formalities; they represent the budding metamorphosis towards a more inclusive political ethos.
The envisioned voting paradigm promises to endow citizens with newfound agency and elevate political accountability to new heights. As the June elections loom on the horizon, the commission is orchestrating a comprehensive symphony of collaboration. It taps into the expertise of federal and regional entities, civil society organizations, and international partners, all coalescing to foster an equitable electoral process.
Nevertheless, this undertaking is not without its adversaries. The commission, birthed in November of the previous year, confronts resistance from some federal member states such as Northeastern State and Jubbaland, as well as dissenting political factions that remain at odds with the Federal Government. Yet, Hassan’s resolve is unwavering. He emphasizes that the commission’s commitment to facilitating a credible and transparent election remains unshakeable, notwithstanding the cacophony of opposition.
Reflecting on this transformative period, one might ask: Can Somalia transcend its historical hurdles? The optimism embedded within the commission’s endeavors suggests it might. As the nation inches closer to this pivotal juncture, the world watches, mindful of Somalia’s struggle yet hopeful for its triumphs.
This epochal effort is more than a mere procedural undertaking; it symbolizes the nation’s aspirational shift towards an equitable society built on democratic principles, breaking away from the shackles of its past.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
