Somalia has announced that it will transition to direct voting for its officials starting next year, marking an end to the system of indirect voting that has been in place for decades.
The decision comes after years of conflict and clan battles in the Horn of Africa country, as well as ongoing insecurity caused by an Islamist insurgency and weak state structures.
Initially scheduled for 2020, the shift to direct voting was delayed due to political disputes and persistent security challenges.
However, the government has now confirmed that a one-person, one-vote election will be held every five years, starting in the coming year.
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Additionally, the position of prime minister will be abolished, and a presidential system will be implemented where the president and vice president are elected directly by the people on a single ticket.
The announcement was made following a four-day meeting chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital city of Mogadishu.
The statement released by Somalia’s state media, SONNA, did not disclose the other participants in the meeting. The new system will also limit competition to only two political parties.
Under the revised electoral timeline, nationwide local council elections will take place in June next year, followed by voting for regional lawmakers in November 2024. President Mohamud, who was elected by lawmakers in May last year, currently holds a five-year mandate.
The move towards direct voting represents a significant step forward for Somalia, offering the potential for increased transparency, inclusivity, and democratic participation in the country’s governance.
