Somalia is on the brink of a historic democratic transformation with plans for one-person, one-vote elections at the federal member state level in 2025, followed by presidential elections in 2026. These elections mark the first universal suffrage in over 50 years, transitioning from a clan-based electoral system to a democratic framework. If successful, it will be a culmination of a series of milestones since the formation of the first post-civil war government in 2000 and the internationally recognised permanent government in 2013. During this period, Somalia adopted a clan based system with incremental steps in a bid to increase citizen participation. The 2016 and 2021 elections saw the introduction of The Hybrid Enhanced Legitimacy which handed the direct election of MPs to delegates selected by clan elders. A total of 27,500 delegates participated in the election of MPs in 2021 up from 14,025 in 2016. This was a major step in the transition towards direct citizen participation in elective politics. In 2023, Puntland, the oldest and most established Federal Member State conducted state-wide district council elections based on a one-person, one-vote system demonstrating the capability and potential for nationwide elections in Somalia.
In furtherance of this goal, the National Consultative Council (NCC) chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud resolved in October 2024 to adopt a multiparty democratic electoral system for the upcoming elections at the federal and state level. This was followed by the passage of three election-related laws by parliament. These are the Elections Act, the Political Parties Act and the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) Act. The leaders also proposed that election dates at the state level be aligned to allow for standardised five-year term limits for the FMS presidents. These sets of interventions aim to foster greater inclusivity and representation in political participation and representation. However, the path is fraught with challenges, requiring collaborative efforts and robust strategies to ensure its success.
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