elections

Mogadishu (AX) — In a moment that resonates with the aspirations of many, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has made a decisive declaration: Somalia will not revert to its previous system of indirect elections. With passion and conviction, he argues that the locus of political power must reside firmly with the people. During a remarkable dinner event held in Mogadishu on Sunday night, designed to honor delegates from the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference, Barre took the opportunity to reaffirm his government's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive statement that resonates with both urgency and hope, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has categorically dismissed any notion of reverting to Somalia’s former system of indirect elections. He underscores a fundamental principle: that political power should always reside with the people. As we stand on the precipice of a new democratic era, this declaration is a clarion call to engage in the governance process that directly affects every Somali citizen. During a dinner event held in Mogadishu,…

Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Defends Push for Direct Elections MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a pivotal moment for Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has passionately defended his initiative for direct elections. He argues persuasively that Somalis deserve a transparent electoral process where everyone can participate equally in choosing their leaders. This position, while bold, has generated significant controversy and discourse. Imagine a country emerging from decades of turmoil.…

On a pivotal day, Burundians cast their votes to shape the future of their parliament. With the ruling party positioned to secure a dominant victory, the political landscape appears decidedly lopsided. This comes on the heels of a notable development: the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), was effectively barred from participating in this electoral process. How does one reconcile democracy with such blatant exclusion? The CNL, which emerged as the runner-up in the contentious 2020 elections, had its…

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…