Speaking to the media on Sunday, the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Farataag), said the Somali Police Force has finalized a comprehensive security plan to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully, safely, and transparently.

“The Somali Police Force is ready and capable of securing the elections. All necessary preparations have been completed,” Minister Farataag said, emphasizing that the protection of civilians, polling stations, and election personnel remains the top priority for security agencies.

He added that police officers will be deployed across the capital to safeguard voters, polling centers, election officials, and key infrastructure throughout the voting period.

The upcoming local council elections are widely regarded as a historic milestone, marking the first direct one-person, one-vote (OPV) elections in Mogadishu in more than five decades.

In anticipation of potential security threats—particularly from armed groups seeking to disrupt the process—security agencies have intensified patrols, enhanced intelligence coordination, and reinforced checkpoints throughout the city.

Meanwhile, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) announced that nearly 5,000 election workers will be deployed to polling stations across the Banadir region on December 25 to facilitate the smooth conduct of the vote.

NIEC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said the election staff, most of whom are young Somalis, have undergone extensive training in election administration, voter rights, polling procedures, and professional responsibilities to ensure a transparent and credible process in accordance with national laws.

“The Banadir election is of particular importance and represents a significant step in Somalia’s democratic journey,” Abdikarim said, noting that well-trained election workers are essential to building public trust in the electoral process.

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The criticism came at the close of a three-day opposition conference in Mogadishu, which included consultations with civil society groups, women, elders, and business leaders.

In a strongly worded statement, the Opposition Forum warned that the current trajectory of political decision-making under President Hassan Sheikh risks destabilizing Somalia’s recent security gains.

“This is a dangerous turn that could undo years of hard-won progress,” the statement read.

Allegations of Partisan Politics and Marginalization

The forum accused the president of marginalizing key federal member states—particularly Puntland and Jubaland—while promoting loyal administrations in South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle.

These regional leaders, the statement noted, have recently joined the president’s Union for Peace and Development Party (JSP), in what opposition leaders call a coordinated move to consolidate power.

“The illegal term extensions, partisan alignments, and dismantling of the National Consultative Council (NCC) point to President Hassan Sheikh’s authoritarian ambitions and a strategy to engineer a one-man election,” the communiqué asserted.

The group also condemned corruption, land grabbing, and the alleged misuse of public resources.

They raised alarm over secretive deals signed with foreign companies and governments involving Somalia’s natural resources—including oil, minerals, and fisheries—which they claim have enriched a small elite closely tied to the president’s family.

Press Freedom and Civil Liberties

The opposition expressed grave concern over increasing restrictions on press freedom. They cited a recent spike in journalist arrests and equipment seizures, particularly targeting reporters covering the controversial forced voter registration in Mogadishu.

“These actions are unacceptable and only worsen the already precarious safety of Somali journalists,” the statement added.

Calling for a return to constitutional order, the forum denounced the unlawful amendments allegedly made by the president to the Provisional Federal Constitution.

They urged the formation of an independent electoral commission and demanded inclusive, transparent elections.

“We call for an urgent national dialogue involving all stakeholders—federal leaders, state authorities, and opposition figures—to steer the country away from political collapse and the threat of extremism,” the leaders said.

Call for Renewed Dialogue with Somaliland

The group also urged a restart of stalled talks between Somalia and Somaliland, which broke down after Somaliland suspended negotiations.

The move followed what Hargeisa viewed as provocations by Mogadishu, including Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod.

The joint statement was endorsed by a host of influential Somali political figures, including: Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Former Parliament Speakers Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, Former Prime Ministers Abdi Farah Shirdon, Mohamed Hussein Roble, Hassan Ali Khaire, and Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame and MP Abdikadir Osoble Ali, Former Foreign Minister Ahmed Issa Awad, Former Ministers Abdinur Sheikh Mohamed, Abdullahi Abukar Haji, and Dahir Mohamud Geelle (who recently resigned as a presidential advisor).

The Mogadishu conference took place amid growing political tensions, with the opposition warning that without course correction, Somalia risks sliding back into authoritarianism and instability.

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This statement was made by women during an event held tonight in Garowe, organized by the Puntland Electoral Commission, where the five-year roadmap towards achieving full democracy in Puntland was presented.

“We, as women, will not vote for any party that does not place women and youth candidates at the top of its list,” said Hawo Ali, Director of the Department of Culture at the Puntland Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the women attending the meeting.

The women also said they have experienced how the clan-based and nepotistic political system — in which positions are handed out based on kinship — has deprived them of the opportunity to represent their communities.

They stated that this system has failed and is no longer functional, and that real change is needed.

Women’s Quota

The women complained that the 30% quota for women has not been properly implemented, particularly during the 2023 elections in Puntland.

Hawo Ali called for the Puntland Electoral Law to amend the law and include provisions that enforce the inclusion of the women’s quota in the electoral process.

They also urged that women be included in the top ten names on candidate lists for each political party.

“Women and youth represent the highest number of the population and any party that sidelines them will not get votes,” she warned.

Puntland is preparing the ground for its 2029 one-person one-vote poll after holding the first direct elections in 2023.

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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.

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The gathering brought together a group of current and former political leaders including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Speakers of Parliament, Abdi Hashi and Adan Madoobe.

Scheduled to span three days from 12th to 14th July at Decale Hotel, the meeting unexpectedly concluded a day earlier than planned, citing difficulties in finding common ground on key agenda items.

The intended outcome of the meeting, as stated by Villa Somalia, was to rally the support and expertise of former leaders and politicians, allowing them to contribute to the nation’s future, particularly in relation to the proposals put forth by the National Consultative Council on 27th May 2023.

However, the joint statement that was expected to be issued at the conclusion of the meeting was not released. Reports suggest that certain participants expressed discontent and were unwilling to endorse any of the points outlined in the draft statement finally unilaterally released by the Villa Somalia.

Analyzing the press release issued by Villa Somalia, several critical concerns emerged as central to the discussions:

• The method of conducting the next presidential elections came under scrutiny during the discussions, with some political participants emphasizing the importance of ensuring an inclusive process that respects the will of the people.  This marks backtracking an earlier decision initially proposed by the National Consultative Council on May 27 which states transition from a clan-based selection process to a direct voting system.
• The current configuration of the Somali parliament was deemed flawed and necessitated further deliberation, particularly with regards to incorporating input from various social sectors, a point on which consensus had not yet been reached.
• The conference discussed the need for a multiparty system.  According to several sources, this particularly came following the rejection of a proposal by President Hassan Sheikh, which aimed to establish only two eligible political parties.
• The establishment of an independent election committee was also subject to debate, although it remains unclear whether a consensus was reached on this matter.
• Extending the terms of the federal government and its federal member states provoked a divisive debate and ultimately faced rejection. This is another setback to the May 27 decision by the National Consultative Council which Puntland did not participate.
• According to the statement, acknowledgment was made that the country’s constitution remained in draft form and required finalization. However, how and when the constitution will be finalised has not been said.

Notably absent from the stakeholders political meeting was Puntland, a crucial federal member state and the only region with a functioning institutions.

Puntland had previously boycotted Villa Somalia, accusing it of constitutional violations and the unfair distribution of power among clans. Additionally, Puntland withdrew from the Somalia’s debt relief process, citing corruption within the Mogadishu-based government.

While the meeting in Mogadishu aimed to address pressing issues, it failed to encompass a broad range of stakeholders and issues. Participants at the gathering only represented portions of the Hawiye, Darood, and Isaq clans, leaving out political stakeholders from other significant clans and regions. Consequently, this lack of inclusivity renders the meeting largely ineffective, even in the face of potentially impactful decisions that could be made.

Amidst these political deliberations, one would mention the dire situation unfolded in Laascaanood, where clashes between Somaliland and Dhulbahante fighters since early February resulted in hundreds of casualties, injuries, and a significant displacement of thousands of families. Unfortunately, the Mogadishu press release did not touch upon this ongoing conflict, further emphasizing the limitations of the non-inclusive meeting.

As discussions and debates ensue within the Somali community, concerns regarding the absence of certain clans and the exclusion of key regions continue to mount.

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Two factions have emerged, with claims of corruption, poor governance, and ethnic and political fighting, leading to the intervention of the Ministry of Sports and Congress members to stop planned parallel elections .on February 1 in Mogadishu. 

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