Somalia once again finds itself at a crossroads. The country’s political leaders remain divided over how the next elections should be conducted, while ordinary citizens wait anxiously for a chance to cast a meaningful vote. The question of whether to pursue a universal “one person, one vote” system or maintain the clan-based indirect model has consumed years of national debate. What Somalia needs now is not another political standoff, but a consensus that puts the people—rather than politicians—at the center of the democratic process.
The Role of Government and Opposition
It is the responsibility of government to prepare an electoral framework that is legally sound and institutionally credible. The opposition, for its part, must engage in constructive criticism and propose viable alternatives. Only through dialogue can both sides reach an agreement that truly serves the Somali people. At its core, this is not about which party or leader benefits—it is about stability, unity, and national survival.
A Phased Path Forward
A way forward exists. Instead of framing the electoral question as an all-or-nothing battle between universal suffrage and indirect voting, Somalia could adopt a phased approach. Piloting one-person-one-vote elections at the local level would provide valuable lessons while avoiding the risk of repeating past mistakes on a national scale. Such a roadmap, if anchored in a firm timeline and backed by political will, could pave the way for credible state and federal elections in the future.
Independent and Inclusive Institutions
But rules on paper mean little without institutions that can be trusted to implement them. Somalia urgently needs an independent electoral commission—appointed jointly by the government, parliament, federal member states, and civil society—that cannot be manipulated by any single political faction. This must be coupled with genuine cooperation between Mogadishu and the federal states, whose mistrust has too often turned elections into parallel power contests.
Security First
Security remains another defining challenge. With Al-Shabaab still capable of disrupting national processes, no election can succeed without a unified security plan that is agreed upon by all stakeholders and supported by ATMIS and local communities alike. Protection of polling stations, candidates, and voters must be prioritized if the process is to be credible.
Inclusion as a Safeguard
Equally important is inclusion. Somali women, youth, minorities, and marginalized groups cannot continue to be sidelined in a political system dominated by clan elites. Enforcing quotas and guaranteeing representation is not simply a matter of fairness—it is a safeguard against instability by ensuring that every voice has a stake in the system.
Resolving Disputes Peacefully
Finally, Somalia must establish a credible mechanism to resolve electoral disputes. Too many past elections have ended in accusations of fraud, intimidation, and mismanagement. Without an impartial court or arbitration body to settle disagreements, losing candidates will always be tempted to reject results and resort to violence.
Shared Responsibility
Civil society, traditional elders, and scholars can play a vital role in building trust around this process, while international partners should support with resources and expertise—but not dictate outcomes. The responsibility, ultimately, lies with Somali leaders themselves.
Conclusion: A People’s Election
Somalis are tired of endless political wrangling that ignores their voices. They yearn for dignity, for representation, for a vote that truly matters. The government and opposition now bear a historic responsibility: to set aside narrow interests, rise above clan calculations, and agree on an electoral process that empowers the people.
Somalia’s future hangs in the balance. The country can either chart a path toward a people-empowering election, or it can stumble once again into the familiar cycle of mistrust and chaos. The choice lies with its leaders—but the consequences will be borne by its people.Avv. Omar Abdulle “Dhagey” is a Somali legal and political analyst specializing in governance and institutional reform.
Email: omardhagey@gmail.com
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The opinion expressed in this article are thoseof the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dawan Africa
