Somali Government and Opposition Strike Election Agreement Following Two Months of Negotiations
In a pivotal move towards national cohesion, Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Rescue Forum have sealed a monumental agreement on the upcoming electoral process. This landmark accord, aimed at fortifying national unity and accelerating the state-building endeavor, wraps up two months of intense negotiations.
Within this agreement, dynamics are reshaped: the Federal Parliament is tasked with electing the president. Meanwhile, leaders from federal member states will directly appoint parliament members. The selected president will hold the power to appoint a prime minister, albeit with oversight from the House of the People who can approve or dismiss the nomination.
Strategically, the agreement sets a new political benchmark. Parties gaining at least 10 percent of parliamentary seats secure national party status, enhancing political diversity and representation.
The officials have slated the upcoming elections under the 2024 electoral law. Preparations are to kick off immediately for local, state, and federal polls. Both factions also vowed to finalize the provisional constitution of Somalia, aiming to bolster legal clarity and institutional certainty.
Transcending former mechanisms, the roadmap charts a shift towards direct voting, where citizens will have the direct power to elect. Both ruling and opposition parties are expected to jump onto this bandwagon, marking a significant departure from traditional systems.
Somalia’s electoral process has been mired in a series of entanglements and debates, stunted by the clan-based power-sharing legacy. This new deal seeks to transition towards direct, one-person, one-vote elections, ironing out longstanding disputes.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the accord as pivotal, “The door to state-building is now open for the Somali people,” he declared, emphasizing governmental intent to incorporate all stakeholders’ voices in this transformative journey.
In a joint statement, both the government and the Rescue Forum underscore the accord’s significance in reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty and unity. Additionally, they align political momentum with ongoing military efforts to dismantle al-Shabab strongholds.
The deal emerges amidst internal tensions within the Rescue Forum, with factions divided over support for the government’s electoral framework. This internal rift raises valid concerns regarding the deal’s seamless implementation.
Historically, Somalia has grappled with creating a stable electoral system, with its democratization efforts repeatedly hindered by delays and disputes over voting models. The call is now clear: political figures must rally behind the new framework to break free from the perpetual cycle of uncertainty and foster a progressive political landscape.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
