MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Chairperson of Somalia’s disputed National Electoral Commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, has announced plans to release the national election timetable within the next week.
Speaking at a press conference held at the commission’s headquarters in Mogadishu on Thursday, Abdikarin stated that the commission is preparing to visit designated sites for the planned one-person, one-vote elections.
He assured Somalis that the commission is committed to reaching voters nationwide.
“We are ready to deliver the ballot box to every corner of the country where citizens are located,” Abdikarin said.
The chairperson outlined key priorities for the commission, including registering new political associations, voter education, and implementing technology to streamline the election process.
He noted that political associations will be required to pay registration fees as part of the preparations.
Controversial Electoral Process
Despite these plans, significant obstacles threaten the viability of the elections.
Large parts of the country remain under the control of Al-Shabaab, and the Federal Member States of Puntland and Jubaland have already rejected the proposed elections.
These issues have cast doubt on the feasibility of the commission’s ambitions.
Adding to the challenges, the legitimacy of the commission itself has been widely contested.
Critics claim that its formation resulted from constitutional amendments and an electoral law that lacked consensus.
Opponents argue that the commission was unilaterally appointed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, making it illegitimate.
So far, no voter registration has been conducted, further complicating the prospects for holding direct elections in the near future. Political groups have previously issued statements rejecting the commission’s authority, demanding reforms before any election plans move forward.
Kaab TV has learned that international partners who support Somalia’s state-building process remain hesitant to endorse or cooperate with the current electoral commission.
Their reluctance has added to the uncertainty surrounding Somalia’s electoral future.