voting

Mogadishu: A Step Towards Universal Suffrage In a decisive announcement during an interview with VOA Somali, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, made a firm commitment: the Somali federal government is poised to hold universal suffrage elections by the year 2026. This promise marks an ambitious step to encompass all regions, including the often-contentious territories of Northeastern State and Jubbaland. Why is this noteworthy? Let's rewind a bit. Post-1969, Somali elections have hinged on indirect voting…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant leap forward, Somalia has wiped clean a slate of debts stretching back 35 years with the United Nations, as announced by the government on a noteworthy Monday. The air in Mogadishu hummed with a sense of triumph, and rightly so. Foremost in delivering this groundbreaking news was Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. In conversation with the Somali National News Agency, Fiqi couldn't hide his pride, reflecting the sentiment of a nation that has long awaited such a moment. "This…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine living in a city where the streets are tangled mazes of potholes and refuse, where cries of distress are met with echoes of political blame-shifting. Such is the daily tapestry woven into the lives of Mogadishu’s residents. At the eye of the storm stands Mohamed Ahmed Amiir, Mayor of Mogadishu and Governor of the Banaadir Region, who finds himself deflecting a barrage of public critiques concerning the capital's crumbling infrastructure and poor sanitation. Amidst the noise of disapproval, Amiir…

Jowhar (AX) – On an ordinary Tuesday, the heart of Jowhar buzzed with unusual activity, as if aware that history was quietly being scripted within its folds. A delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries descended upon the city's worn, dusty streets, with an unmistakable sense of urgency that seemed to echo through the air. Their mission? A straightforward, yet monumental task—to meet with Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe. The gathering was a mere two days post a similar visit…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

Baidoa (AX) — On a bright Sunday, as the sun painted Baidoa with golden hues, a delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries made its entrance, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s electoral journey. They carried with them not just paperwork and plans, but a vision to breathe life into a cornerstone of democracy—a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Yusuf Abdulqadir Mohamed, a seasoned member of the commission with a passion for political revitalization, addressed the press with a determined…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Mogadishu (AX) — Get ready, folks! The Banadir region’s two-decade-long dream of conducting one-person, one-vote elections is finally taking shape, with the spotlight set on 2026. Deputy Commissioner of Security and Politics, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye Yabooh, dished out some timely info. In a buzzing address from Mogadishu on Thursday, Yabooh shared that the wheels are in motion for a transformative election. From pinpointing where those ballot boxes will stand to amping up the capital's security, actions speak louder than…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…

In an important move for Somalia, the nation's two-chamber parliament gave the nod to essential electoral laws on Monday. These regulations, covering election procedures, political parties, and organizations, as well as the foundation of an electoral commission, came to life. Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali Hoosh, brought these laws to the table. All 170 lawmakers in attendance said yes, in unison. As reported by Sadia Yassin Haji Samatar, the House of the People's second Deputy Speaker, the measures sailed through with…