President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: The era of Indirect Elections is behind us.

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has firmly stated that the era of indirect elections in the country has come to an end, reiterating his administration’s commitment to implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral system.

Speaking amid escalating political tensions, the president said Somalia has moved beyond the indirect electoral model, emphasizing that prior agreements signed by political stakeholders provide the basis for transitioning to universal suffrage. He noted that several political actors currently opposing the process had previously endorsed documents supporting direct elections, including the establishment of an electoral commission and multiple political agreements.

“Indirect elections are behind us; they are finished,” the president stated, adding that the government remains focused on fulfilling commitments toward democratic reforms and inclusive participation.

The remarks come at a time of deepening divisions between the federal government and opposition groups, some of whom argue that the timeline and prevailing security conditions make the implementation of direct elections impractical. Critics maintain that a consensus-based approach is necessary to avoid further political fragmentation.

The issue is particularly sensitive in regions such as South West State, where disputes over electoral models have contributed to rising tensions between federal authorities and regional leadership.

While the push for universal suffrage marks a significant democratic milestone, the lack of political consensus risks exacerbating instability if not managed through dialogue and negotiated agreement among key stakeholders.

Mustaqbal