Somalia Pushes to Secure 30% Women’s Quota in Direct Elections

By Asha Elmi - Reporter

Mogadishu, 17 September 2026 Somalia plans to guarantee a 30% quota for women in direct elections and strengthen participation of people with disabilities.

Family and Human Rights Development Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi discussed the issue with National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed, the ministry said Wednesday.

The meeting focused on cooperation between the two institutions to protect the women's quota and ensure participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process.

The push comes after women failed to secure the 30% quota in elections held in South West State and Banadir region.

Al-Makhzoumi said her ministry was ready to work with the electoral commission to protect women's representation and the electoral rights of people with disabilities.

Somalia is preparing for further direct elections at the federal level, though political divisions remain over the framework for the upcoming polls.

Somalia Pushes to Secure 30% Women’s Quota in Direct Elections

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