Saturday January 18, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moalim, has accused opposition groups of obstructing laws passed by the government and parliament, particularly those related to the country’s electoral process.
Speaking in Mogadishu on Thursday, Minister Moalim emphasized that no individual or army force has the authority to hinder the democratic process of electing representatives and holding a one-person, one-vote election.
“The idea of an election cannot be opposed as it has come at the right time,” the minister stated, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. He also stressed the importance of maintaining an electoral environment where citizens can participate without fear or intimidation.
The Somali government and opposition groups have been trading accusations in the media, with both sides focusing on the country’s electoral plans. In October 2024, federal government leaders, along with the leaders of three regional states and Mogadishu’s governor, agreed on a framework for Somalia’s first one-person, one-vote elections.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) have opposed the framework, highlighting divisions within the federal system.
Despite opposition, the Somali government has remained firm in its resolve to implement the electoral reforms. Minister Moalim reiterated that the government’s goal is to create a fair and inclusive process that allows all citizens to participate, a step deemed crucial for strengthening democracy and governance in Somalia.