Monday June 23, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has firmly
ruled out a return to Somalia’s previous system of indirect elections,
emphasizing that political power must lie with the people.
Speaking at a dinner event in Mogadishu on Sunday night
honoring delegates of the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference,
Barre reaffirmed his government’s commitment to democratic reform and endorsed
recommendations put forward during the consultative forum.
“The DanQaran government is committed to supporting
proposals related to elections and recognizes the critical role national
stakeholders are playing in shaping a democratic process that reflects the will
of the people,” the prime minister said. “It is no longer possible to go back to an indirect election system,” Barre said. “Our goal is to return power to the Somali people.”
The announcement comes as Somalia continues efforts to overhaul its electoral process. Since the country’s last one-person, one-vote election in 1969, most elections have operated under a clan-based power-sharing formula, where political leaders are selected through indirect negotiations among elders and elite representatives.
Barre added that proposals from Somali scholars, elders, and civil society figures during the consultative forum will guide the country's democratic transition and the architecture of future elections. He added that public consensus and participation remain essential to state-building efforts.
“We must transition to a unified electoral process that brings together all Somalis,” he said. “Leaving behind indirect politics means overcoming the divisions and conflicts that have held our nation back.”
The prime minister also linked electoral reform to broader national goals, including improved security, economic development, and long-term political stability. He called for unity among political actors to overcome obstacles facing Somalia’s post-conflict recovery.
While the government remains firmly committed to direct elections, opposition leaders have expressed skepticism about the timeline and implementation process. They argue that political consensus across regional and federal administrations is needed to avoid deepening divisions.
The National Dialogue Conference convened a range of
high-profile figures, including former presidents, federal and state officials,
and influential Somali leaders. However, key opposition parties and the
Puntland administration boycotted the forum, citing concerns over procedural
flaws and what they described as exclusionary practices by the federal
government.
Somalia officials hope to hold its next round of national elections within the current parliamentary cycle. However, security challenges, ongoing negotiations with federal member states, and technical hurdles continue to complicate the path toward full electoral reform.