AU welcomes revised electoral framework agreement in Somalia, urges full implementation
The agreement, signed on August 25, 2025, brings together Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and a faction of the main opposition alliance, the Salvation Forum.
The African Union Commission has welcomed the signing of a revised electoral framework agreement in Somalia, a key step toward holding federal presidential and parliamentary elections, with Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urging all parties to implement the deal through dialogue and consensus.
The agreement, signed on August 25, 2025, brings together Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and a faction of the main opposition alliance, the Salvation Forum. It sets the stage for upcoming elections, marking a significant milestone in Somalia’s ongoing democratic and state-building process.
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The AU Chairperson called on all signatories to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement and encouraged Somali stakeholders to resolve any remaining disputes through constructive dialogue. He also appealed to the international community to continue supporting Somalia in line with the priorities set by its institutions.
“The African Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to accompanying Somalia and the Somali people on the path of peace, security, and stability,” the Commission said in a statement.
The revised electoral framework follows the adoption of a new electoral law by Somalia’s Parliament in October 2024, which introduced universal suffrage for the 2026 elections.
A joint statement seen by The Eastleigh Voice said the parties agreed on an electoral system that introduces some elements of direct voting in Somalia. Members of Parliament will now be elected by the public, while the MPs will continue to choose the country's president.
The agreement also keeps the position of Prime Minister, allowing President Hassan to appoint and remove the officeholder through Parliament. This goes against the constitutional reforms proposed by President Hassan's administration earlier this year, which had aimed to replace the Prime Minister with a vice president under a presidential system.
"The President shall have the authority to appoint the PM of Somalia, subject to approval by the House of the people and may also withdraw confidence," the statement reads.
Further, both parties agreed that upcoming elections will be held under a 2024 law aligned with the agreement, while state regional assemblies will select regional leaders and their deputies.
Additionally, any political group securing at least 10 per cent of seats in Parliament will be registered as a national party, according to the pact.
"Agreed, urgent steps shall be taken to conduct elections for local councils, federal member states and the federal government. Remaining chapters of the provisional Federal Constitution will be finalised without delay to ensure legal legitimacy and advance the state-building process," the statement reads.
"Both ruling and opposition groups will jointly participate in the transition toward direct 'one person, one vote' elections, covering local councils, state legislatures and both houses of the federal Parliament."
While the two parties also agreed to safeguard Somalia's sovereignty, fight terrorism, and ensure peaceful elections, doubts remain about how the agreement will be implemented.
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