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Somalia is set to take a major step toward democratic governance with its first one-person, one-vote local elections scheduled for June. The National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) announced the groundbreaking move on Friday, marking a significant shift from the country’s long-standing clan-based power-sharing system.
Commission Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan confirmed that preparations are well underway, with voter registration set to begin soon in districts and surrounding areas. Electoral staff have already undergone training, and voting equipment is ready for deployment. Hassan emphasized that this election represents a critical step in restoring the power of choice to Somali citizens, many of whom have never participated in a direct voting process.
This will be Somalia’s first direct vote for local councils since the central government collapsed in 1991. For over three decades, Somalia’s political landscape has been dominated by clan-based representation, where leaders are selected through indirect processes rather than direct votes from the public. The upcoming elections mark a potential turning point in the country’s democratic transition.
Despite the optimism surrounding this historic vote, Somalia’s federal government faces considerable challenges. Two central federal member states, Puntland and Jubbaland, have suspended ties with the central government, raising uncertainty about whether elections will be held in those regions. Political divisions remain a significant hurdle, with tensions between regional administrations and the federal government complicating efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The international community, particularly the United Nations, has played a key role in supporting Somalia’s democratic development. The UN is working to convene the National Consultative Council in April, a meeting aimed at addressing political disputes and ensuring broader participation in the upcoming elections. This dialogue is seen as crucial for maintaining stability and fostering cooperation between different levels of government.
Multiple Somali administrations have previously pledged to move from indirect selections to universal suffrage, but efforts have repeatedly stalled due to security concerns, political disagreements, and logistical challenges. If successful, the upcoming elections could serve as a model for future democratic reforms, paving the way for broader electoral changes, including at the national level.
Somalia’s progress toward democracy is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing security threats, including attacks by the al-Shabaab militant group, which has long opposed democratic governance. Ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and polling stations will be a key priority in the coming months.
The success of these elections could strengthen Somalia’s democratic institutions, enhance political stability, and increase public confidence in the government. While significant challenges remain, the transition to a one-person, one-vote system represents a historic moment for the country.
With voter registration set to begin and preparations in full swing, Somalia stands at a crossroads. The coming months will determine whether this ambitious step toward democracy can be realized, setting a precedent for future elections and shaping the country’s political landscape for years to come.