voting

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’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…

Somalia’s Electoral Shift: A Nation’s Leap Toward Democracy By Ali MusaAxadle Times International – Monitoring Mogadishu – The vibrant and bustling heart of Somalia, where you can feel the pulse of a nation yearning for change, has witnessed a compelling narrative unfold. On an eventful Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a poignant address, whose echoes are likely to be felt far beyond the borders of this storied land. In an impassioned plea, he underscored how Somalia's reliance on indirect…

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…