elections

Somalia’s Political Landscape: A Deep Dive into Electoral Delays and Strategic Concerns MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the heart of Mogadishu, the political pulse is racing. Despite strong backing from the United States, there’s tension brewing with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Washington has expressed concerns, pointing fingers at his insistence on holding universal suffrage elections. But why, one might wonder, is this such a contentious issue? As reported by the Washington Post, Mohamud’s push for universal…

As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2026, the nation once again finds itself at a significant crossroads. In just twelve months, a myriad of uncertainties hangs precariously over the political landscape. Deepening political divisions threaten to pull us apart, while the rules governing the electoral process remain frustratingly ambiguous. In the shadow of rising insecurity and international partners who are showing signs of fatigue after years of engagement, it’s little wonder…

Somalia's Political Conference: A Critical Meeting of Minds in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Wednesday in the heart of Somalia, a significant political conference convened, drawing the eyes of the nation and beyond. This gathering brought together influential opposition figures, setting the stage for an important dialogue on Somalia’s political trajectory, security environment, and electoral framework. In many ways, this moment could be pivotal in the ever-evolving landscape of power in Somalia. At…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a bold statement echoing through the heart of Somalia's political landscape, the Himilo Qaran Political Party, under the leadership of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has brought to light serious allegations against the country’s electoral commission. They claim that students and educational institutions in Mogadishu are experiencing undue pressure to engage in an election process that the party has characterized as unilateral and fundamentally lacking in consensus. This assertion, made…

Northeastern State's Bold Shift Toward Electoral Transparency Garowe (AX) – In an ambitious move geared towards reforming its electoral process, the Northeastern State administration is taking definitive steps to abolish the secret ballot system traditionally used for electing local council members and parliamentarians. This change aims not just to enhance transparency but also to tackle the pressing issues of corruption and bribery that have, unfortunately, overshadowed past elections. The Northeastern State…

Political Tensions in Somalia: A Closer Look In the complex landscape of Somali politics, recent events have sparked intense debates and stirred emotions among citizens and leaders alike. Comments from Barre appear to be a direct response to a swell of coordinated criticism emerging from diverse quarters of Somalia’s political sphere. In the past few days, a coalition of 103 members of parliament and sixteen former leaders—including ex-presidents and prime ministers—have collectively accused President Hassan Sheikh…

Power Play in Somali Politics: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Bold Move MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the intricate labyrinth of Somali politics, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has set a daring new course. With the next election looming on the horizon, he has unveiled a political party that could alter the country's trajectory. This venture, while bold, raises questions about potential fractures within Somalia and whether this strategy is a step toward greater unity or deeper division. The freshly minted Justice and Solidarity Party…

Outcomes of the National Consultative Council Meeting: A Step Towards Unity and Coordination Mogadishu (AX) — Under the twinkling lights of Mogadishu, the National Consultative Council (NCC) concluded its pivotal meeting on Wednesday night. The air was thick with anticipation and hope—as leaders gathered to shape the fabric of Somalia’s future. Their agreement to enhance coordination on national security and accelerate the electoral process stands as a testament to the collective will of the nation. In a…

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced his resignation following a decisive win by far-right opposition leader George Simion in the first round of the presidential election re-run. Ciolacu's own candidate faced a disappointing exit from the race. In light of the election results, Mr. Ciolacu declared that the centre-left Social Democrats will withdraw from the pro-Western coalition, effectively bringing it to an end. He noted, "This coalition is no longer legitimate," and emphasized that cabinet ministers…

Today, voters across England are participating in a series of local and mayoral elections that could shape the political landscape. In addition to the local elections, a by-election is taking place in north-west England following the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury. Amesbury stepped down after serving time for an incident involving a constituent, bringing attention to the importance of accountability in governance. Some opinion polls reveal a shift in public sentiment, indicating that the Reform UK party, under the…