electoral

Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline. It’s worth noting…

In a surprising turn of events, the electoral landscape in Côte d'Ivoire has shifted dramatically. Four key opposition leaders have found themselves excluded from the final list of candidates eligible for the upcoming presidential election. Among the most notable is Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). His disqualification stems from a controversial court ruling questioning his nationality at the time of registration, subsequently barring him not only from running in the elections scheduled…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an era where social media dominates the information landscape, it’s all too easy for mistruths to spread like wildfire. Recently, rumors have surfaced suggesting that residents of Mogadishu are being coerced into collecting their voting cards under the threat of arrest. The Somalia Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped forward to clarify these claims, categorically dismissing them as unfounded. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, has taken a firm…

In a pivotal election, Polish nationalist opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki has emerged victorious in the second round of the presidential election, securing 50.89% of the votes, according to the electoral commission. This outcome presents a significant challenge to the reform initiatives of the pro-European government. His contender, Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw and ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, garnered 49.11% of the votes. Interestingly, exit polls just yesterday suggested a closely contested…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant announcement that echoes the aspirations of many Somali citizens, Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan of the National Electoral Commission revealed on Thursday an extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region. This decision, made after thoughtful consideration, responds to the urgent need for greater public participation in the electoral process. During a press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Mogadishu, Abdikarin articulated…

Mogadishu (AX) — As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a vital moment in Somalia's democratic evolution is at hand. The National Independent Electoral Commission has announced a crucial extension of the political association registration deadline, adding an extra nine days for parties to ready themselves for a monumental occasion—the first one-person, one-vote local elections in over fifty years, scheduled for late June. Commission Chairperson Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan articulated this development, stating…

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—In a fervent declaration of hope and determination, Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe articulated a vision this Monday. The vision was for a Somalia where every voice counts—a nation transitioning to an electoral system where one person equals one vote. Imagine a democratic renaissance, where each Somali citizen can directly elect their leaders; it's not just reform—it’s a transformation of a nation's soul. Isn’t it time for such a progression? During a spirited gathering in…