MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed his commitment to one-person, one-vote elections during the 81st anniversary celebration of the country’s police force in the capital, Mogadishu.
In his address, President Mohamud said the police are prepared to ensure security for the upcoming elections, citing their success in protecting 40,000 students during national exams.
“After 56 years, elections will take place in Somalia,” Mohamud said. “The police must be ready to secure the safety of voters,” he added.
He emphasized returning power to the people to choose their leaders. “We promised to let people exercise their voting rights, and we will do so,” he said.
His remarks came amid growing tensions over the electoral process, with Jubbaland, Puntland, and opposition candidates rejecting the new system, which Somalia hasn’t used since 1969.
Puntland severed ties with Mohamud over changes to constitutional articles. Last month, Jubaland defied his push for unified elections by holding an indirect vote and re-electing Ahmed Madobe.
President Mohamud declared Madobe’s re-election invalid for violating the unified method and sent troops to Raskamboni in Lower Juba to remove him from office.
Madobe, using his forces, defeated the military, seized the town, and captured 300 soldiers, some of whom were wounded, before returning them to Mogadishu a week ago.
Tensions with Madobe resurfaced on Thursday when Mohamud deployed new military and police units to Garbaharey, in the Gedo region, for a similar campaign against him.
Despite opposition, President Mohamud is determined to proceed with his nationwide election plan. It remains unclear whether he will compromise with Jubaland and Puntland.
