Somali MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has accused the electoral commission of coercing universities into forcing students and staff to register for upcoming elections.
Warsame called the commission’s actions as unconstitutional, saying voter registration is a voluntary right, not something to be enforced through pressure.
“The electoral commission is forcing universities in Mogadishu to register students, lecturers, and staff, which violates their right to freely choose participation,” he said.
He said universities refusing to comply were threatened with consequences, including possible action by security forces to enforce mandatory registration.
“Participation in elections—including registration and voting—is a constitutional right. It must remain voluntary and not be imposed on citizens through fear or intimidation,” he said.
Warsame warned that imposing elections this way could lead to widespread political unrest and undermine public trust in the democratic process.
He said Somalis desire to choose their representatives freely, not through a forced, one-sided process lacking legitimacy and genuine public participation.
“We cannot build a stable democracy on coercion. Imposed elections only result in instability, division, and a deeper political crisis,” he added.
He urged university leaders to resist the pressure to defend their institutions and students from unlawful interference.
“Peaceful resistance and digital activism are needed to expose the commission’s actions”, he said.
He also called for social media and public awareness to mobilize support for democratic rights.
Warsame’s remarks came amid concerns over the fairness of Somalia’s electoral process, with many demanding political inclusiveness.
