MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared that Somalia will adopt direct universal suffrage, a move aimed at establishing a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
In a pre-recorded video, President Mohamud announced that all elections in Somalia—local, regional, and federal—will implement this system, reinforcing his commitment to fostering direct democracy in a nation striving to rebuild after years of unrest.
His push for a one-person, one-vote model has sparked backlash, with some regional leaders accusing him of undermining federalism.
This announcement follows a nearly week-long national consultative council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, led by President Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, which included four regional leaders, with the exceptions of Puntland and Khatumo. The meeting concluded without reaching a consensus on national and regional elections.
Reliable sources reported that the meeting reached an impasse due to two main issues: a proposal to hold direct regional elections next year, followed by presidential elections in June 2026, and the establishment of a single election committee—a move supported by the president and most regional leaders.
However, Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe reportedly rejected both proposals, arguing that holding regional elections next year would require a term extension. He prefers the formation of a regional election committee alongside a national one, which aligns with his stance but diverges from President Mohamud’s view.
President Mohamud also favored a potential one-year extension for regional leaders to unify the electoral schedule as agreed in May 2023. As a result, Jubaland is now expected to hold its indirect regional leadership election as early as November.
Madobe walked out of the NCC meeting and returned to Kismayo due to his demands, including the unmet inclusion of Puntland and Khatumo in electoral decision-making. Puntland’s absence is attributed to ongoing political tensions with President Mohamud, while Khatumo’s exclusion remains uncertain.
Sources indicated that Madobe contended it would be futile to implement a one-person, one-vote system in certain regions if it is not applied elsewhere, particularly in Puntland. He has faced criticism for this stance, with accusations of retracting the agreement he signed in May 2023.
In a statement on Monday, Somali opposition leaders expressed their support for Madobe’s decision. They emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to the constitution, warning against unconstitutional mandate extensions and underscoring the urgent need to hold elections in regional states before 2026.
The leaders also highlighted the importance of national unity and a peaceful political transition to effectively address external threats. They reiterated that maintaining stability and fostering collaboration among all political entities are crucial for Somalia’s future.
Analysts warn that the model championed by President Mohamud could derail upcoming elections and potentially pave the way for a term extension. They point out that during his time in opposition, Hassan Sheikh frequently protested against former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s attempts to extend his term.
Despite calls for political inclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud seems determined to proceed with adopting a one-person, one-vote system. There are growing concerns that this move could undermine genuine democratic reform and lead to political uncertainty and chaos in Somalia.
