Somalia’s government, opposition unite to fast-track elections, constitutional reform
Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament will elect Somalia’s president, while state assemblies will choose presidents and vice presidents of the federal member states.
Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders have reached a landmark agreement aimed at accelerating the country’s democratic transition, promising to strengthen state institutions, complete constitutional reforms, and hold direct elections without delay.
The accord was formalised late Monday between the Federal Government of Somalia and leading members of the Somali Salvation Forum.
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Key signatories included Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, former Speaker of the House of the People and current MP; Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, former Speaker of Parliament and ex-President of South West State; Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, former Prime Minister, and Dahir Mohamud Geelle, former Minister and spokesperson of the Forum.
“It was agreed to strengthen the sovereignty, independence, and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the statement said.
It added that both government and opposition leaders would “jointly reinforce national security and intensify efforts to liberate all areas still under the occupation of the Khawarij,” a reference to Al Shabaab insurgents.
Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament will elect Somalia’s president, while state assemblies will choose presidents and vice presidents of the federal member states.
The president will nominate a prime minister, who must be approved by parliament, though the House of the People will retain the authority to withdraw confidence from the premier if necessary.
The communique also stipulates that any political party winning at least 10% of parliamentary seats will be recognised as a national party.
Leaders are committed to moving forward with local council, state assembly, and parliamentary elections promptly, while completing outstanding sections of the provisional constitution.
The accord further emphasised Somalia’s longstanding goal of holding elections on the principle of “one person, one vote.”
The leaders urged all political actors to come together, stating: “Based on this consensus … we call upon all political actors to actively contribute to the successful completion of Somalia’s democratization process.”
Somalia has faced decades of conflict, weak governance structures, and a persistent insurgency by Al-Shabaab, which controls large areas of the country.
Past efforts to implement direct elections have repeatedly failed due to insecurity and political disagreements.
The deal follows months of intensive discussions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government and opposition leaders, and coincides with heightened military operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia. The agreement signals a renewed commitment to both political stability and security across the nation.
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