elections

Mogadishu (AX) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has reiterated his administration’s dedication to implementing universal suffrage elections by 2026, despite resistance from two regional leaders and several notable politicians. During a speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud emphasized the necessity for Somalia to evolve towards direct elections, departing from a long history of indirect voting methods. “Having participated in indirect elections myself, both as a parliament member and as president on…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of the political narrative, Somalia's top brass have inked a deal to undertake municipal elections by June 2025, to be trailed by parliamentary polls in the September of the same year. This was unveiled in a statement from the National Consultative Council (NCC) this past Wednesday.Underscoring the significance of transparent polls sprouting from a multi-party framework, the NCC rallied for empowering Somali folks to handpick their own delegates. Urgency clings to legislation related…

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took to the podium recently, emphasizing to the electorate that the upcoming election on November 17 is set to be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness. He urged everyone involved to practice "restraint" as a critical component of the electoral process. In his address, Faye called upon all political factions to behave with "responsibility, restraint, and moderation." He reiterated his unwavering dedication to conducting "free, democratic, and transparent" elections, an essential…

Garowe (AX) — In a recent announcement, the President of Northeastern State of Somalia, Said Abdullahi Deni, expressed his administration's backing for Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe to carry out independent elections in the coming month, stressing the critical necessity of respecting the autonomy of regional governance."Our dedication lies in assisting Jubbaland to conduct its elections in accordance with established norms," Deni declared, urging the electoral body in Jubbaland to move forward with the election…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a surprising turn of events, Abdirahman Duale Bayle, who once held the position of Somali Finance Minister, alongside other notable political figures, has thrown his lot in with North Western State of Somalia’s opposition party, Waddani, with the November ballots just around the corner.Having distanced himself from his earlier campaign for a 'Greater Somalia,' Bayle made a homecoming to North Western State of Somalia after years in the federal quarters. "We’re jumping aboard this ship and teaming up with…

Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate vying for the presidency in Mozambique, has issued a powerful call for a nationwide strike to protest widespread electoral malpractice. According to a civil society group known as Mais Integridade, the fraudulent activities were so flagrant that they unfolded right under the noses of various observers. "It’s hard to believe what we've witnessed," one member of the group noted, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. Tragically, the political climate has grown increasingly…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Efforts to stabilize Somalia’s delicate democracy hit a snag as the National Consultative Council (NCC) discussions ended in dispute on Wednesday, sparking further discord. Sources indicate that the NCC plans to regroup on October 27, but the attendance of Northeastern State's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, and Jubaland's Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe remains uncertain following their vocal dissent during the recent conference. During the gathering, leaders struggled to reach an agreement on managing the…

Somalia's President Champions Direct Elections Amidst Political Storms MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the country will proceed with direct elections, dismissing the cacophony of dissent from critics. This decision sparks a fresh chapter of political deliberation in Somalia, a nation that last experienced direct voting in 1969. Political discord and debate have been the norm for two years, with President…

The destiny of who commands the Minnesota Legislature will soon hang in the balance as the upcoming election approaches. Particularly, the fierce battles unfolding in the St. Cloud area for seats in the Minnesota House are pivotal in deciding which political party will seize control of the state Capitol. In Minnesota, many districts are comfortably nestled in Republican or DFL hands, but the St. Cloud region is fiercely contested. The two House races here are among the hottest and most unpredictable in the state. “In areas…