Somalia: Farmaajo Says President Must Set Inclusive Election Framework Before Term Ends

MOGADISHU, May 8 – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Friday urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to put in place an inclusive electoral framework before his term expires next week, saying failure to reach consensus could deepen instability in the country.

The appeal lands against the backdrop of an intensifying political standoff in the Horn of Africa nation, where the opposition and the federal government remain split over election procedures and proposed constitutional changes as the May 15 deadline approaches.

“Next Friday is 15 May 2026: the last legitimate day of outgoing president Hassan Sheikh’s term,” Farmaajo said in a statement issued by his office. “In his last week, he must focus on finding an inclusive election model with all stakeholders.”

Farmaajo, who led Somalia from 2017 to 2022, also called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalists and civil society activists detained during recent political tensions. He accused the current administration of disregarding constitutional principles and steering the country toward authoritarian rule.

“He must also release all illegally imprisoned civil society activists and journalists,” Farmaajo added.

With the presidential term nearing its end, the government and opposition remain locked in disagreement. Critics of President Mohamud have warned that the failure to agree on an election model grounded in consensus could open the door to a constitutional vacuum and further national fragmentation.

Government officials were not immediately available to comment on Farmaajo’s remarks. In recent months, the administration has defended its push to overhaul the electoral system, saying the reforms are needed to strengthen national stability and move Somalia toward direct universal suffrage.

Somalia has long faced difficulties in introducing a “one-person, one-vote” system and has instead depended on an indirect process involving clan elders and regional representatives.

AXADLETM