A crucial two-day meeting on Somalia’s political future finished Wednesday in Mogadishu, the capital city. The forum, organized by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, brought together significant current and previous leaders to discuss crucial governance challenges.
Somalia’s electoral process, governmental structure, party system, electoral commission, term limits, and constitutional review were among the key topics of attention.
On elections, participants agreed to develop a stable and inclusive process that would allow for widespread participation. Following public consultation, there was extensive debate about whether to keep Somalia’s parliamentary structure or perhaps change to a presidential system.
Numerous politicians campaigned for the expansion of the party system beyond the existing two-party plan.
Participants emphasised the need of having an independent electoral body monitor federal and regional elections.
Presidential and legislative mandates were agreed to be legally restricted to avoid extensions, with exceptions until the next election.
Despite lingering constitutional difficulties, leaders agreed that the constitution must be finalized in order to serve as the foundation of Somalia’s administration.
Politicians congratulated President Mohamud in his final statements for championing this critical national conversation on Somalia’s future. The meeting was a significant step in setting the country’s political path in the midst of continuing transformations.