Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Federal Government of Somalia has defended its decision to extend the term of the heads of state, and described it as a necessary step to improve the reform of the elections, and to overcome the “one person and one vote” system. .
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama said that the extension of time concluded at the last meeting of the National Consultative Council is part of the federal government’s plan to align the country’s political calendar and hold elections at all levels. .
“The term extension is a necessary step to overcome the clan-based, passive system that we have been using for seven years,” Jama told reporters in Mogadishu. “We are committed to enabling citizens to directly elect their leaders – from district officials to state governors and federal leaders.”
Jama added that the recently established National Elections Commission is busy with preparations, as officials are traveling to important regions of the member states of the Federal Government of Somalia. The board plans to oversee the transition and ensure local stakeholders are engaged.
The National Electoral Commission has set June 2025 as the target date for local council elections, which shows a great success in the reform process if successful. However, this initiative has been criticized by politicians who are in opposition to the government, who argue that this process is not transparent and could strengthen the power of the current administration.
The opposition also expressed concern about the timing, warning that the political conflict between the federal government and the regional governments that has not been resolved could lead to a delay or further conflict.
Security is another big challenge. With al-Shabaab maintaining a presence in rural areas and carrying out periodic attacks, ensuring that all citizens can safely participate in elections remains a key concern.
Since the early 2000s, Somalia has relied on an indirect election system, with clan elders selecting the parliamentarians, who in turn elect the country’s president. This system, based on the 4.5 tribal decentralization process, was a viable solution to ensure representation in a country recovering from conflict but has been criticized for fostering corruption and limiting political participation.
The previous administrations of Somalia tried to implement international elections, but these attempts were met with great obstacles. For example, in 2020, the government plans to move to a “one person, one vote” system. However, ongoing political conflicts and security challenges have caused these plans to be delayed.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was elected by parliamentarians in an indirect election in May 2022 and will hold office for a period of four years, gives special importance
to direct voting, which is the most important objective of his administration. Lawmakers have since suggested that the term of office of the president be reduced to five years, although the amendment has not yet been approved.
The government says its current plan will create an inclusive, transparent, and representative political system. Jama reiterated that the government is open to dialogue with the opposition groups to resolve their concerns but warned that further delay could jeopardize the reform period.
“We have a clear map,” Jama said. “We cannot afford to lose this opportunity for lasting political reform.”