Somalia Elections: No Timelines, No Consensus, and the Looming Term Extensions

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, intended to chart Somalia's path forward, left many questions unanswered. Notably, the critical issue of election timelines was conspicuously absent. This omission raised significant concerns about the political stability and democratic future of Somalia. The debate between veteran journalists and political analysts, Ali Halane and Mohamed Hirmoge sheds light on the intricacies and implications of this development.

The NCC, while not a constitutional body, plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue on national issues, including elections. However, the latest meeting failed to address election timelines, despite the pressing need for clarity. The leaders of the federal government and federal member states (FMS) met but did not chart a clear path forward. This avoidance can be attributed to the fact that three out of six FMS leaders have already overstayed their mandates, making it politically expedient for them to avoid discussions on elections.

Ali Halane aptly described the election issue as "the elephant in the room." The reluctance of FMS leaders to engage in election discussions stems from their expired mandates, with some leaders' terms having lapsed years ago. This scenario creates a political deadlock, where leaders are buying time, possibly awaiting favorable conditions or further delaying tactics.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite his remaining mandate, appears complicit in this time-buying strategy. His reluctance to take decisive action could be seen as a political calculation to maintain balance and avoid losing the support of FMS leaders. However, this delay undermines the credibility of his administration and casts doubt on his commitment to democratic processes.

The NCC's failure to provide a clear election timeline has broader implications. It suggests a possible extension of terms not only for FMS leaders but also potentially for the federal government. This scenario would mirror the current situation at the FMS level, where term extensions have become a norm rather than an exception. Such a development would be a significant setback for Somalia's democratic aspirations.