In a significant departure from the decades old clan-based 4.5 political system, the government of Somalia has announced its intention to revert to direct universal suffrage for the upcoming elections in June 2024.
Following a four-day meeting in the capital city of Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh, Prime Minister Hamza, and federal member states excluding Puntland reached a consensus on the introduction of universal voting rights. This decision marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s democratic progress, as it signifies a shift towards a more conventional democratic framework.
Originally scheduled to implement direct vote in 2020, Somalia faced numerous challenges, including political disputes and security concerns, which hindered the process. However, President Hassan Sheikh reaffirmed his commitment to a one-person, one-vote system in March of this year, and this week, Puntland, one of the country’s regions successfully conducted the first democratically represented elections.
Looking ahead to 2024, the entire nation is preparing for local elections under the universal suffrage principle. Villa Somalia reported that the agreement was reached during the meeting chaired by the president, with the regional leaders emphasizing the importance of allowing the public to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“The election of the Federal Somali Republic must be conducted in a manner that enables the public to participate in a one-person, one-vote system,” stated the government following the agreement with state leaders.
This significant move holds the potential to strengthen governance, promote stability, and lay the foundation for a brighter future. However, the journey toward this goal will not be without major hurdles, especially in a country marked by deep divisions along tribal lines within the political establishment.
Resolving the dispute between the federal government and the member state of Puntland, abolishing the premier post, achieving political reconciliation in Jubbaland, and justifying the term extension of the federal government and regional leaders, which have been viewed by many as unconstitutional, are among the obstacles that need to be addressed. However, despite these challenges, the transition to one-person, one-vote represents a significant step forward.
While acknowledging the complex nature of Somalia’s political landscape, many political elites, including former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, have cautiously welcomed the transition. They emphasize the need to follow the constitution as a guide and adhere to the legal procedures involved. This cautious approach reflects a recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the transition to direct universal suffrage is conducted within the framework of established principles and guidelines.
Given the historically entrenched divisions among tribal factions within Somalia, the transition to a more inclusive political system is a significant endeavor. It requires navigating the intricacies of these divisions while fostering unity and consensus-building among different groups. The process demands a delicate balance between meeting the aspirations of the Somali people for a fair and representative democracy and addressing the concerns and interests of the diverse political stakeholders involved.
Be the first to comment