Somalia Elections in capital city in mogadisho

Posted by: Dolaal prime

Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing one person, one vote elections, made during his election campaign.

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Speaking on the progress of electoral reforms, President Hassan said that restoring the people’s right to choose their leaders was a central pledge shared by him and other political leaders during the campaign period. He noted that local council elections represent the first major step toward realizing that promise.

“There was a day when I and many of my political friends stood before the Somali people and promised that the officials who would govern their destiny and future would be elected and decided by them,” President Hassan said. “This is the first step towards fulfilling that promise that I made that day.”

The president credited his government’s efforts to improve national security for making the electoral process possible, particularly in southern regions of the country. He stated that the successful distribution of voter registration cards demonstrates progress toward inclusive and transparent elections.

“The fact that we registered yesterday, received the card today, and will vote tomorrow has brought us the responsibility we have assumed to bring peace to the country and the region,” President Hassan said.

According to the president, the elections are scheduled to take place on December 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Somalia’s transition toward a fully democratic system.

Latest Updates on Somalia’s Elections

1. Electoral Process & Reforms

• Somalia’s National Electoral Commission has confirmed that 12 political organizations have registered candidates for the Banadir district elections, which are planned to take place in late December 2025. Voter registration and card distribution are ongoing, though not everyone has received their cards yet.
• Some political groups have called for a delay of the Banadir elections, arguing that more time is needed to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper preparation.

2. Push for “One Person, One Vote”

• The Federal Government insists it will not return to the clan-based indirect election system and is pushing ahead with plans for a one-person, one-vote nationwide election targeted for 2026.
• The government has requested international support (financial, technical, and security assistance) to help implement this system.

3. Political Disputes

• Political tensions are rising over constitutional amendments and election management.
• Some opposition leaders and certain federal member states (including Puntland and Jubaland) oppose parts of the proposed reforms, warning that they could centralize too much power in the federal government.
• Opposition figures have also criticized the National Electoral Commission, accusing it of lacking independence.
• 4. Security Concerns
• Security remains a major challenge. Ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab and general instability could affect the election process and overall political stability.
• Major electoral issues in Somalia with a focus on the upcoming 2026 elections as well as recent electoral events include:
• 1) Political Divisions and Absence of Agreement
• Because there is no agreement between political leaders and areas regarding how to conduct elections, this has created an overall political crisis in the country.
• There is an ongoing argument regarding whether to use the traditional clan-based indirect system of voting or to transition to a system of direct, one person, one vote.
• The government’s efforts to reform the electoral process have also been met with skepticism from many of its political opponents and the political leaders of various Federal Member States (FMS). As such, the plans and proposals that have been submitted are not seen as being representative of the majority and therefore are not viewed favourably.
• Somalia Today
• The new opposition group formed has also rejected any proposal to move forward with the 2026 elections unless there is a national consensus around the election process and widespread participation.