Minister of Interior, Federal and Reconciliation, Ahmed Maalin Fiqi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment to transitioning from Indirect Elections to the long-awaited One Man One Vote Elections. Speaking to the media, Fiqi outlined the government’s ambitious plan to conduct mayoral elections on June 6, 2024, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive electoral process.
Fiqi emphasized the importance of supporting this decision to enable citizens to directly choose their representatives, moving away from the criticisms surrounding the Indirect Elections that have been in place for an extended period. The minister urged stakeholders to rally behind the initiative, expressing optimism that the shift would set Somalia on a path toward more transparent and participatory elections.
The proposed timeline involves a phased approach, starting with mayoral elections in June 2024. Subsequent steps include district contests, elections for presidents of regional governments, and the formation of regional government parliaments, all within the span of the 11th month.
It’s noteworthy that the Federal Government, along with regional governments under its purview (excluding the Puntland Regional Government), has reached a consensus on the imperative need for elections that empower citizens in choosing their political representatives. This unified effort signifies a collective commitment to address concerns and criticisms surrounding the previous electoral processes.
Mustaqbal
