Mogadishu (AX) — In a pointed statement that resonates beyond the borders of the Gedo region, Governor Mohamed Hussein Al-Qaadi has issued a clear and firm warning to the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC). His message was unequivocal: any attempt to initiate voter registration or conduct election-related activities in Gedo, without prior coordination with the Jubbaland administration, would be deemed illegitimate—and met with resistance.
Speaking to local media on Wednesday, Governor Al-Qaadi emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to the electoral process. “The electoral landscape must reflect consensus between the Federal Government and Jubaland State authorities,” he asserted. His cautionary words were not mere rhetoric; he backed them up with a promise of action: “No elections will be held in the Gedo region without our agreement. I warn the Electoral Commission that if they proceed without coordination, there will be consequences.”
This warning highlights the ongoing political tensions that have become increasingly apparent between the Jubaland administration and the Federal Government. Key points of contention revolve around issues such as electoral authority, constitutional amendments, and the framework for a transition to direct elections. It raises critical questions: What does it mean for democracy in Somalia when regions assert themselves in such a manner? How will these local dynamics influence the broader national agenda?
The context of Al-Qaadi’s remarks cannot be overlooked. The NIEBC had previously announced ambitious plans to conduct voter registration across several regions, including Gedo. This initiative is a crucial step in preparation for Somalia’s first one-person, one-vote elections since 1967, which are scheduled for 2026. It’s a pivotal moment in the country’s history—marked by hope and trepidation alike.
Registration officially began on Tuesday in the Shangani district of Mogadishu, where residents flocked to obtain voter ID cards. The scene was one of enthusiasm, as long-time residents took part in an electoral process that many had only read about or experienced secondhand. Senior federal and municipal officials, including the mayor of Mogadishu, were among the first to line up, signaling a commitment to this new chapter. Yet, while this enthusiasm is uplifting, it must be weighed against the backdrop of Governor Al-Qaadi’s stern warning.
The push for universal suffrage represents a significant shift in Somalia’s political landscape, as it aims to dismantle the longstanding 4.5 clan-based power-sharing system. Under this existing model, seats in parliament are allocated among four major clans, while minority groups receive a collective “half-share.” This has long been viewed as an archaic system that undermines the principles of equity and representation within a modern democratic framework. Herein lies a critical challenge: how do you change a deeply entrenched system that has been operational for decades, without exacerbating existing divisions?
Moreover, the question lingers: What are the stakes if consensus remains elusive? If we consider the emotions and hopes invested in these elections, it becomes evident that each decision reverberates deeply within Somalia’s societal fabric. A misstep could lead not only to political fragmentation but also to widespread disillusionment among citizens eager for a voice in their governance.
Despite the weight of Al-Qaadi’s statements, it’s telling that federal officials have yet to publicly respond to his remarks. This silence begs further contemplation. Does it reflect an acknowledgment of the complexities at play, or an unwillingness to engage in what could be a contentious dialogue? In political realms, where the stakes are high, such inaction can be as revealing as vocal opposition.
This moment encapsulates more than just a dispute over electoral logistics; it brings to the forefront the critical need for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Somalia stands at a crossroads, with the potential to forge ahead into a new era of democratic engagement—or to stumble into a cycle of conflict and disenfranchisement.
As we reflect on these developments, it’s essential to remember the stakes: the aspirations of a nation yearning for a more inclusive and representative political landscape. In the end, it may be the conversations we are yet to have that will shape the future more than any piece of electoral legislation. Listening, understanding, and reaching across divides could be the keys to unlocking a more stable and unified Somalia.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
