Tuesday November 26, 2024
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre presides over an emergency Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, marking a significant step in approving the Independent National Electoral and Boundary Commission
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government has approved the formation of the Independent National Electoral and Boundary Commission, a milestone in the country’s plan to hold direct elections for the first time in over five decades. The decision came during an emergency Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The commission is tasked with managing elections at all levels of government, implementing a one-person, one-vote system to replace the clan-based electoral model. Local council elections are scheduled for June 2025, followed by federal parliamentary and presidential polls in September.
“This government is committed to restoring the right of every Somali to elect their leaders directly,” Barre said. “Today’s decision is a cornerstone of our democratic aspirations.”
On Saturday, Somali lawmakers passed an election bill which allows for direct voting and replacing the indirect system currently in place.
Somalia’s political transition comes amid significant opposition from Jubaland and Puntland, two influential regional states. Both administrations have rejected the new electoral framework, citing concerns over federal overreach. Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe)— who won his reelection bid this week despite objection from Mogadishu— boycotted consultations and extended his term limit, further escalating tensions. Puntland declared self-governance in March, effectively stepping outside the federal framework.
These divisions echo past conflicts, such as the violent fallout from Jubaland’s disputed 2019 elections, which displaced tens of thousands. Analysts warn that the upcoming elections could reignite similar tensions if disputes are unresolved.
The international community is closely watching Somalia’s democratic transition. Ethiopian and Kenyan forces operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) remain in Jubaland to combat Al-Shabaab but have faced accusations of meddling in Somali politics. Such allegations highlight the delicate balance of power between Mogadishu and its neighbours.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for international support to ensure a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
The approval of the electoral commission marks a turning point for Somalia. Since 1969, the country has relied on a clan-based voting system criticized for perpetuating division and undermining national unity. Moving to universal suffrage represents a major shift toward democratic governance and inclusivity.
Commission Members
- Abdiqarin Ahmed Hassan
- Sadiq Abshir Garad
- Avv. Mohamed Abdirahman Aden
- Yusuf Abdiqadir Mohamed-Bafo
- Omar Abukar Omar
- Farhiyo Mohamed Yusuf
- Dr. Omar Jama Mohamed
- Farah Abdi Hassan
- Sahro Dirie Muse
- Abdullahi Salad Yarrow
- Mohamed Amin Hassan Abdullahi
- Abdi Adow Mohamed
- Abdishakur Abiib Haayir
- Khalid Ibrahim Ismail
- Amina Sheikh Osman Mohamed
- Nasir Mohamed Shire
- Abdirahim Abdullahi Shafici
- Mohamed Omar Ismail