MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Consultative Council (NCC) talks on Somalia’s elections remain deadlocked as federal and regional leaders gather in Mogadishu. With Puntland and Jubbaland absent and Khatumo’s participation uncertain, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is now seeking a one-month extension to further discussions on his push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
Despite the talks having resumed on Sunday after a 20-day stall, only three regional state leaders were present, underscoring the persistent challenges in reaching a consensus on upcoming elections.
President Mohamud has invited members of both Houses to an urgent dinner meeting tonight at the presidential palace. According to a message sent to lawmakers, the meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will address critical issues facing the country, including the ongoing NCC talks in Mogadishu.
“Honorable members, you are invited to a dinner meeting hosted by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The meeting will be held at Villa Somalia at 7:00 PM. Thank you,” the message stated.
Reliable sources indicated that during the gathering, President Mohamud plans to request a one-month extension for the parliamentary session, which is set to close soon. This extension would enable him to present his election proposals and a newly appointed committee for approval.
This scheduled meeting coincides with ongoing NCC discussions on elections in Mogadishu, where Puntland remains absent due to a political rift with President Mohamud, and Jubbaland continues to oppose the proposed one-person, one-vote system.
President Mohamud, along with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, three regional state leaders, and the Mayor of Mogadishu, is expected to announce a one-year extension for regional states to prepare for the proposed elections.
This move has already sparked criticism, with opposition leaders warning that the extension could plunge Somalia into political chaos and uncertainty. They express concerns that delaying the elections may undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process and exacerbate existing tensions.
Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the ongoing talks, as concerns about the nation’s pursuit of popular elections continue to grow. Analysts warn that the model championed by President Mohamud could derail the upcoming elections and potentially set the stage for a term extension. They highlight that during his opposition, President Mohamud consistently protested against former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s attempts to extend his term.
Despite calls for political inclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appears determined to proceed with the one-person, one-vote system. There are rising fears that this move could undermine genuine democratic reform and lead to political uncertainty and chaos in Somalia.
