Somali university group warns against using schools as polling stations
Union cites student safety, disruption to learning and political neutrality as key risks in election planning
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MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Union of Somali Universities on Tuesday urged authorities to drop plans to use schools, institutes and university campuses as polling stations in upcoming elections, warning the move could jeopardize student safety, disrupt learning and erode the political neutrality of education.
In a statement, the union called on the federal government, regional administrations and election authorities to reverse any decisions designating classrooms and campuses as voting centers and to identify alternative civilian venues that would not interfere with academic life.
“Educational institutions were not established to serve as electoral venues,” the statement said. It stressed that schools and universities must remain free of political influence and focused on education, research and national development.
The group said conducting elections on educational grounds poses serious security risks for students, teachers and administrators amid Somalia’s fragile political and security environment. It warned that students could be exposed to intimidation, unrest or violence linked to election activities, and that heightened political tensions could spill into campuses not designed for crowd control or partisan gatherings.
The union said it has closely monitored political developments tied to the electoral process and observed growing efforts to draw educational institutions into political and campaign-related events. It described the practice as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens the independence of academic institutions across the country.
Beyond physical security, the group warned of academic and psychosocial consequences if polling stations are placed inside schools and universities. Elections scheduled during the academic year could force closures, delay exams and derail teaching plans, the union said, while the atmosphere surrounding the polls could negatively affect students’ mental well-being. It added that such activities could violate children’s rights, particularly if minors are exposed to fear, coercion or instability around the ballot.
The union appealed for coordinated action by the Ministry of Education and security agencies to protect campuses during the election period and ensure that learning environments remain insulated from political contestation.
Key requests outlined by the union include:
- Reversing any designations of schools, institutes and universities as polling sites.
- Identifying alternative venues for voting that do not interrupt academic calendars.
- Ensuring security plans explicitly safeguard students, educators and campus facilities.
- Upholding the political neutrality and institutional independence of educational spaces.
Somalia is preparing for a new phase of elections amid persistent political tensions and security challenges, intensifying concern among educators over potential spillover effects on already strained learning environments. The union’s intervention adds an organized academic voice to broader civil-society calls for a voting process that protects essential public services and avoids unnecessary risks to children and young adults.
Election authorities have not publicly detailed whether alternative venues will be prioritized. The union said it stands ready to engage with the government and regional leaders on practical options that keep campuses focused on their primary mission while allowing the country’s electoral process to proceed safely.
“Our institutions exist to educate and to advance the nation,” the statement said. “They must be safeguarded from political pressure and preserved as places of learning and civic growth.”
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
Tuesday December 16, 2025
