elections

Somalia’s Historic Journey to One-Person, One-Vote Elections Mogadishu (AX) — This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Somalia as the National Independent Electoral Commission announced the expansion of voter registration to three additional districts in Mogadishu. It is a pivotal moment, signaling the country’s march toward its first one-person, one-vote elections in more than half a century. The news sparked enthusiasm across the capital, with residents from Hamarweyne, Boondheere, and Shibis…

Somalia's Road to Democracy: A Complex Vision The echo of "conducting free and fair direct elections" has been a familiar refrain among Somali officials since 2009. Along with ambitious ventures like "completing the constitution" and "eliminating terrorism," these aspirations have been part of national discourse. Yet, over a decade and a half later, these goals remain elusive. One can't help but wonder: Why are these dreams still unrealized? The answer might lie in their intricate interdependencies and the unique…

Somalia's Electoral Reforms: A Journey Toward Universal Suffrage In a move that might be seen as both strategic and accommodating, Somalia has taken a significant step in its democratic journey. Abdikarin, a prominent figure in Somalia’s electoral commission, recently shared, "We've spoken with both registered groups and those still completing their paperwork. They asked for more time, and after reviewing the request during a meeting yesterday, we agreed to…

Somalia Elections - A Step Towards Empowerment "This is the first step in returning the power of choice to the Somali people," declared Hassan, with a sense of hope mingling with the cautious optimism that peppered the room. Looking back, it's intriguing how substantial this moment is. Somalia is poised on the brink of hosting its first direct vote for local councils since the central government disintegrated back in 1991. What a journey from clan-dominated politics to this pivotal milestone in democratic governance. The…

Beledweyne Community Unites for Democratic Elections and Al-Shabaab Resistance In an inspiring turn of events, the Hawadle community of Somalia has thrown its weight behind the federal government's vision to introduce one-person, one-vote elections. After years of indirect voting processes, this marks a significant departure. Yet, what spurred this shift in political culture? Perhaps it’s the timeless truth that voices directly cast are the echoes of genuine democracy. During a momentous gathering on a sunny…

Mogadishu (AX) – A gentle hum of anticipation filled the air as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed Parliament on Saturday—a collective assembly of minds gathered to mark the opening of its sixth session in Mogadishu. Is there a time more apt for reflection and hope than the dawn of a new parliamentary session? President Mohamud seized this moment, directing the statesmen's attention to the seismic military movements against the entrenched forces of ISIS and Al-Shabaab in the arid expanses of Northeastern State…

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia stands at the threshold of a significant political evolution. The National Electoral Commission, undeterred by dissent from two states and select opposition factions, remains steadfast in its dedication to orchestrate a universal suffrage election in 2026. Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, with commendable zeal, announced on Thursday the strides made towards this monumental election. Could there be a more potent symbol of progress in Somalia's political landscape than this? According to Hassan, the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the midst of Somalia's tumultuous journey towards stability, accusations have once again surfaced against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, suggesting he has taken liberties with the nation’s constitutional framework. But what does this mean for a country already grappling with political unrest? The criticism comes from a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, claiming the president has stretched the constitutional boundaries too thin. "Somalia is on a precipice," they warn,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

Mogadishu (AX) – With a voice as commanding as a ship's captain braving a storm, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed issued a stern warning to the federal government this past Friday. At the heart of his concern? A looming political quagmire: unilateral elections. Picture this: a nation split at the seams, fraying edges evident unless sanity prevails through dialogue, something sorely lacking in today's discourse. Once upon a headline, Sheikh Sharif, now helming the Himilo Qaran Party, stepped into the fray…