Many people in Mogadishu have hailed Somalia’s authorities’ decision to switch the country’s voting system from an indirect clan-based system to a one-man, one-vote one.
According to the residents, unrestricted adult suffrage is more democratic and representational. Somalia has not conducted a direct election in over three decades.
“It is excellent that the people have the option of self-determination. Previously, a tiny number of individuals chose our leaders behind closed doors, which we must accept whether we want to or not. So, if people are given the opportunity to pick their leaders, they will be able to hold those individuals accountable,” said Mogadishu resident Mohamed Ali Abdi.
“We welcome the implementation of the “one-person, one-vote” system in the country,” Asad Ali Hussein stated.
”It is something we want to do, and we will choose our leaders with more satisfaction,” he continued.
Since 1991, elections have been held via a convoluted indirect procedure in which prominent clans and sub-clans employ numerical strength and influence to gain crucial leadership posts.
Some have criticised the system for being unjust and a cause of power disputes and political instability.