MOGADISHU, Somalia – The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh has reiterated his government’s unwavering comment to moving the country out of the clan-based indirect election system to a popular vote at the end of his tenure in 2026.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Leadership and Innovation Summit held in Mogadishu on Thursday, the president assured that there will be no term extension and the election will be held on its scheduled timetable. His remarks come amid strong opposition to his plan by some stakeholders, including Puntland and Jubaland leaders.
“Our country can no longer exercise the clan-based election model, we will work hard to realize the dreams of the citizens to vote directly in the ballot box and elect their leaders,” said the president, adding that he is ready to sit down with the opposition to discuss the election reforms.
On Wednesday, October 30, the leaders of the Federal government and three regional states – Galmudug, HirShabelle, and Southwest announced the regional election was delayed to next year, according to a joint statement from NCC talks held in Mogadishu.
The election for the regional parliaments and local councils was set to take place in June and November this year but now it has been pushed to September 2025 to prepare the democratic process of the one-person, one-vote ballot.
The former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Farmajo as well as ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire accused President Hassan Sheikh of trying to extend his term and stay in office beyond 2026 through the new electoral system, which they say is impossible to implement in this challenging moment.
HORN LIFE
