Somalia needs consensus, not force, in its electoral process

By: Eng. Jama Farah Noor Tuesday April 14, 2026

Somalia stands at a dangerous crossroads, and the stakes could hardly be higher. An election process shaped by the incumbent leadership, rather than by broad agreement, risks not only weakening democracy but also igniting serious violence and pushing the country back toward civil war.

In place of the current orchestrated election model advanced by the President and his team — a model that appears driven by narrow political interests and lacks the participation of key stakeholders as well as democratic principles — Somalia urgently needs a credible, inclusive process accepted by all sides. Only a genuinely free and fair election can help deliver the country’s desired future.

However, an orchestrated election model in which stakeholders are deprived of their democratic rights will inevitably lead to instability, violence, and bloodshed.

The future most Somalis want is clear: a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic country. Reaching that goal will require an electoral process agreed upon by all relevant actors, a shared strategic vision, and a clear commitment to democratic values. That can only happen if citizens’ right to take part in decision-making is fully protected through a process that is truly inclusive.

One Person, One Vote Goal

Among the available options, the one person, one vote system remains the most desirable. It is widely seen as the clearest expression of democratic legitimacy, ensuring that every citizen can exercise the right to vote in a free and fair election.

Yet Somalia’s persistent insecurity, the continuing threat from Al-Shabaab, and the lack of essential preparatory conditions make it impossible at present to hold a credible one person, one vote election.

Several basic steps would need to be in place before such a model could be introduced. These include comprehensive voter registration, the issuance of voter identification cards, clear constituency boundaries, a decision on the number of MPs, and agreement on the electoral model. Security must also be guaranteed so that citizens can vote without fear, while civic education is needed to deepen public understanding of the democratic process and encourage participation.

Because the government has not done enough to establish these prerequisites, the most practical option is to return to the earlier election model based on the 135 traditional leaders, who remain among the few actors still enjoying public trust.

Undemocratic Decisions

The recent measures and action plans introduced by the government are not only out of step with democratic values, but also appear disconnected from any clear national vision for Somalia. Instead, they seem to reflect the ambition of the incumbent President and his team to secure re-election and prolong their hold on power.

In that context, the President’s unilateral appointment of the electoral commission is the first move toward advancing that personal agenda.Meanwhile, the mobilization of the Somali National Army to pressure stakeholders, including leaders from Federal Member States, raises serious constitutional and governance concerns. It reflects a coercive political style and amounts to a violation of the constitution and a dangerous political culture.

The continued use of state security institutions, including NISA, to shape or silence opposing views on the electoral process further narrows democratic space. Such actions are inconsistent with democratic norms and undermine the credibility of the entire election process. They also deepen the risk of post-election conflict and instability.

As a consequence, conflict and military intervention could spread across Federal Member States. These inconsistent decisions must be stopped by making all decision-making inclusive and by building a common strategy rooted in Somalia’s true national interest, not in the vision of a small group. Every decision must be anchored in democratic values, the rule of law, and good governance.

Recommended Points

Democratic values are indispensable to a peaceful and inclusive electoral process, one that produces a legitimate and stable transfer of power. They require meaningful consultation with all stakeholders on the electoral model, procedures, and regulations, while safeguarding every citizen’s right to take part in the process. 

The first and most important stage of any election is consensus among stakeholders on the electoral framework, rules, and procedures. Without that foundation, the legitimacy of everything that follows is put at risk.

Yet concerns remain that the current process has not allowed sufficient inclusive participation at this critical stage, moving instead into implementation phases such as election management, monitoring, and vote verification without broad agreement.

An institution built on a bayonet will not take root, but institutions built on democratic values will endure and last longer, provided such values are upheld collectively. The current Federal Government must focus on democratic values rather than unilateral decisions.Accountability Systems and a Credible Judiciary

The current government has left a major institutional gap by never establishing a Supreme Court to resolve election disputes and instead relying on military forces to impose its own undemocratic decisions on stakeholders. As a result, the outcome of the election will not be accepted, and post-election conflict and violence are inevitable.

To ensure a credible electoral process, robust mechanisms must be established to monitor, evaluate, and verify election outcomes. Strong accountability systems are essential, and an independent judiciary particularly a fully functioning Supreme Court must be in place to adjudicate electoral disputes impartially.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need to establish a competent, credible, and independent judicial structure through a transparent process agreed upon by all stakeholders and supported by the international community.

Somalia’s future is not fixed; it will be determined by the decisions made now. The way forward must rest on inclusion, credible institutions, accountability, and the protection of democratic values. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.’ Let us choose the path that secures stability, justice, and dignity for every citizen.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Hiiraan Online’s editorial stance.

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By: Eng. Jama Farah Noor 

Former Head of Banadir Region Building Regulations Office. Former Senior Advisor to the Deputy Mayor of Mogadishu Municipality. Former Senior Policy & Planning Advisor, Ministry of Youth & Sports FGS.