Somalia parliament has approved a bill transitioning the country to universal suffrage, marking a pivotal shift from the long-standing clan-based voting system. The legislation, passed on Saturday by 169 lawmakers in favour, two against, and one abstaining, introduces one-person-one-vote and a multi-party framework, setting the stage for significant democratic reforms.
Under the new system, Somalia’s president will be elected directly by citizens, replacing the indirect model where clan delegates chose parliamentarians, who then selected the president. The first election under this framework is scheduled for 2026. The law also limits the number of political parties to three, introducing a competitive multi-party system.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was elected by lawmakers in 2022, described the reform as a ‘historic moment for Somalia’s democracy.’ Despite opposition from Puntland and Jubaland states and some former presidents, Mohamud announced in late October that political parties had reached a consensus on adopting universal suffrage.
‘This is a milestone in strengthening democracy and ending decades of exclusionary practices,’ said a parliamentary spokesperson during the session.
However, the new law faces challenges. Political opposition from key federal states and logistical hurdles in conducting direct elections across Somalia’s security-fragile regions could complicate its implementation.
Experts suggest that transitioning to universal suffrage signifies a move toward inclusivity but caution that the government must address existing clan-based political rivalries to ensure success. Somalia’s shift to one-person-one-vote is seen as a step toward fostering unity and national identity, breaking the dominance of clan dynamics in governance.
Somalia’s journey toward democratic reform marks a significant departure from its historical reliance on clan-based power-sharing, paving the way for broader political participation in the years to come.
Credit: Reuters
