Somalia has reached a historic milestone as political leaders agreed on a framework to conduct the country’s first national one-person, one-vote elections. This decision was finalized after a series of extensive negotiations led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, concluding with a signed agreement on Wednesday.
The framework was agreed upon by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, three regional state leaders, and Mogadishu’s governor, charting a path for direct universal suffrage. Local elections are now slated for June 2025, followed by regional and municipal polls. Additionally, parliamentary and presidential elections for the federal member states are set for September 2025.
“The new election model will allow citizens to choose their leaders directly,” the communique released after the Mogadishu talks confirmed. However, the process has met resistance, with Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Madobe, withdrawing from discussions and Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni objecting to the framework, citing concerns over federal recognition and constitutional adherence.
The National Consultative Council (NCC) called for the immediate completion of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission to manage the upcoming electoral activities. This new electoral system, based on universal suffrage, will replace Somalia’s indirect clan-based model, used since the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime in 1969.
Opposition Objections
Despite parliamentary approval for this shift in March, notable opposition voices have emerged. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have publicly criticized the NCC decision, describing it as a move that could “undermine national stability and extend regional leaders’ terms.” The opposition has pledged not to recognize this framework.
UN Resolution Supports Transition in Somalia
Coinciding with the electoral announcement, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday, initiating a transition of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the U.N. Country Team (UNCT). The Somali government, with support from the United Kingdom, prompted this transition, which will officially begin on November 1 and conclude by October 31, 2026, as the U.N. Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) assumes UNSOM’s responsibilities alongside Somali authorities.
U.K. Ambassador to the U.N. Barbara Woodward emphasized the significance of this transition, calling it a “crucial period for Somalia’s continued stability and development.” Since 2013, UNSOM has been central to Somalia’s peace-building efforts and state-building initiatives, and this new phase marks a collaborative step toward Somali-led progress.