Is Somalia ready for universal suffrage? Here’s what’s at stake
Somalia is facing a major political question ahead of its next elections as to whether the country is ready for universal suffrage, where citizens vote directly for their leaders.
The debate has become central to tensions over how Somalia should hold elections expected between May and August 2026. Without agreement, the country risks a constitutional crisis as the terms of parliament and the president near their end.
This week, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office said the government will invite opposition leaders under the Somalia Future Council (SFC) to a national conference in Mogadishu starting February 1 to discuss disputes over constitutional amendments and the election model.
“The conference… is intended to strengthen national unity and social cohesion,” the government said.
The opposition signalled it would attend, raising hopes that dialogue could prevent a political breakdown.
Somalia has long used an indirect, clan-based voting system, but the government has pushed for one-person-one-vote elections. A trial run of local polls in Mogadishu in December went well, but doubts remain about whether universal suffrage can be implemented nationwide amid insecurity and weak institutions.
Lawmakers exchanged blows in parliament this week during heated arguments over constitutional changes, prompting condemnation from former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
“Any attempt to further alter the Provisional Constitution that generates violence is a sign of bad intention,” he warned.
International partners, including the UN, UK and EU have welcomed the planned conference, calling it a positive step toward easing tensions.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
