The Federal Government of Somalia and opposition leaders have announced a landmark agreement on the country’s upcoming electoral model, marking a significant step toward political stability and democratic governance.
Federal Government of Somalia and Opposition Agreement – Key Points:
According to the joint statement of the Government of Somalia and opposition, the Federal Parliament will elect the President of Somalia, while state leaders will be chosen directly by their respective regional parliaments.
The President will have the authority to appoint a Prime Minister, subject to approval or a vote of no confidence by the House of the People.
The agreement also establishes that any political party securing at least 10% of seats in the Federal Parliament will be officially recognized as a registered party.
Transition to Direct Voting
In a major reform, Somalia will shift to a direct voting system based on the principle of “one person, one vote.”
The plan also includes accelerating local council elections, moving away from the previous indirect electoral process.
This transition is designed to strengthen democracy, increase public participation, and stabilize federal institutions after years of reliance on an indirect voting system.
Legal and Constitutional Framework
The upcoming elections will be conducted under the Electoral Law of 2024, with an emphasis on expediting the completion of Somalia’s permanent constitution.
This step aims to ensure legitimacy and advance the broader state-building process.
Call for Political Unity
The government of Somalia and opposition have urged all political stakeholders to unite in advancing the democratic transition and completing state-building efforts.
Opposition Split
The announcement follows divisions within the opposition’s Somali Salvation Forum.
One faction—led by former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, former parliamentary speakers Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, and former Information Minister Dahir Mohamud Gelle—reached an agreement with the government.
However, another faction, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Mohamed Hussein Roble, rejected the government’s electoral program, highlighting ongoing political challenges.
