Somalia’s cabinet has approved two crucial bills on Thursday aimed at transitioning the country from its long-standing indirect election system to direct one-man, one-vote polls, scheduled for 2026. This legislative move marks a significant step towards political stability in Somalia, according to political analyst Mohamud Abdikarim, based in Mogadishu.
Abdikarim emphasized that while achieving direct elections and a stable multiparty system will be challenging and time-consuming, the current government has initiated the necessary groundwork. ‘The responsibility now lies with the current regime to fulfil their promises and ensure the next election is direct,’ he told Anadolu news agency.
He also urged the government to engage with the opposition to prevent the unrest and violent protests that marred the last presidential and parliamentary elections.
The approved bills will now proceed to parliament for further consideration and must be signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The president had pledged last year to dismantle the complex clan-based indirect voting system that has governed Somalia for over five decades.
Somalia last held direct elections in 1967, making this legislative effort a historic push towards democratic reform in the country.
