MOGADISHU, Somalia – Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said Somalia is heading toward political setbacks, threats to national unity, and instability, amid rising concerns over the new election system.
President Farmajo said he had warned amending the only constitution uniting Somalia could lead to the collapse of the legal framework supporting government institutions.
He said the electoral law, party law, and committees are key systems involving institutions, Federal Member States, and leaders, crucial for inclusive politics.
He argued that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s insistence on holding a unilateral election, which he alone controls, does not reflect the political reality.
“Such actions could only lead Somalia into unnecessary setbacks and instability”, he said.
Farmaajo stated any elections held without Puntland, Jubaland, and other political leaders would show President Mohamud’s disregard for national unity and its priorities.
He also urged him to step down, warning that his actions risk dividing the country and causing political uncertainty.
He said that to avoid instability and damage to Somalia’s unity, regional states, former leaders, and parliamentarians should work together for national consultation.
However, his call comes as President Mohamud is determined to move forward with his vision of a one-person, one-vote election, a system Somalia hasn’t used since 1969.
