MOGADISHU: Somalia parliament on Saturday unanimously approved proposals to overhaul the country’s electoral system to re-introduce universal suffrage, a plan that has been criticized by some leading politicians.
The move comes after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s commitment last March to dismantle the longstanding clan-based indirect voting system that has characterized Somali politics for over 50 years.
The agreement, reached between the central government and four federal states, outlines the introduction of a one-person, one-vote system for local elections scheduled for June 2024. However, these proposals required parliamentary approval, which was achieved on Saturday with the endorsement of four out of the 15 constitutional chapters slated for amendment.
Sheik Adan Mohamed Nur, the president of the lower chamber of parliament, confirmed the unanimous support from lawmakers for the amended chapters. The remaining 11 chapters are expected to undergo a vote at a later stage, according to Mahad Wasuge, the head of the Somali Public Agenda think tank.
Once the parliamentary amendments are completed, the revised constitution will be put to a public vote, marking a crucial milestone in Somalia’s democratic transition. However, the process has faced criticism from some quarters. Notably, former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo raised concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that it lacked broader participation from all federal member states and failed to reflect the country’s current political dynamics.
Despite these objections, the push for electoral reform underscores Somalia’s determination to move past its tumultuous history of conflict and instability. With ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters and the persistent threat of insurgency, establishing a transparent and inclusive electoral framework is seen as essential for fostering stability and democratic governance.
Somalia last held nationwide one-person, one-vote elections in 1969, under the rule of dictator Siad Barre. While progress has been made, including the recent direct polls in Puntland, the road to fully inclusive elections remains fraught with complexities.
