MOGADISHU, Somalia – The usual pandemonium ensued in Somalia’s parliament as contentious debates over electoral reforms took center stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested lawmakers postpone their break to focus on the upcoming electoral process.
Hassan Sheikh, returning for a second term, wants to adjust key electoral guidelines for a long-term shift. He aims to introduce universal suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote. Recognizing the pressing need for these reforms, Hassan Sheikh urged legislators to work overtime, ensuring necessary election laws are finalized before their end-of-year hiatus. Some opposition members responded with a protest right in the parliamentary halls.
“I implore the Parliament to endow the Somali people with the chance to vote freely by ratifying essential laws. I’m asking for a month’s delay to ensure these laws are enacted,” Hassan Sheikh emphasized.
For him, this marks a pivotal phase as Somalia moves toward direct voter participation after more than 50 years. A system of universal suffrage will replace the clan-based approach. During the recent National Consultative Dialogue, this radical change won endorsement from the Mayor of Mogadishu and leaders from Southwest, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug, though representatives from Jubaland and Northeastern State voiced resistance, accusing Hassan Sheikh of limited dialogue.
The council resolved that all Federal Member States should conduct elections on a synchronized date in August 2025. Jubaland criticized this uniformity, arguing it could unjustly extend leaders’ terms against constitutional principles.
Following the parliamentary dispute, ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed opined that Somalia isn’t ready for direct elections due to persistent security threats and political discord.
From his Mogadishu abode, he scolded President Mohamud for deferring the federal parliament’s recess, calling this move unconstitutional. Notably, Somalia grapples with challenges from Al-Shabaab insurgents and potential territorial claims from Ethiopia.
AXADLETM
