In Somalia’s recent presidential election, each major candidate, including President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, promised to transform the electoral process to move from indirect elections toward a fair and transparent “one person, one vote” system. This pledge resonated deeply with the Somali people, who were eager to see an end to a broken political system marred by corruption, clan favouritism, and lack of accountability.
Today, as President Dr Hassan follows through on this promise, he remains true to his campaign’s core pledge, working to fulfil the people’s mandate for direct democracy and ensuring every Somali has an equal voice in electing their leaders.
In contrast, the opposition, which once echoed these promises, has turned away from the commitment to reform, pushing instead to maintain the systems that perpetuate instability and serve narrow interests. While President Dr Hassan has brought forth a clear vision of Somalia empowered by direct elections, the opposition now appears to stand without a coherent policy, focusing on opposing the president’s initiatives without offering a constructive path forward.
Instead of providing policy alternatives or strategies to address Somalia’s pressing challenges, they have defended the old, indirect election system, which has long been criticised for enabling corruption, clan-based control, and political manipulation.
President Dr Hassan’s pursuit of a “one person, one vote” model is not just a political promise but a transformative step toward building a government that genuinely reflects the people’s will. The current indirect electoral system has created a cycle in which select individuals, often masked or balaclavas to conceal their identities, choose leaders behind closed doors and vote in secrecy on behalf of the clans they represent.
This process has often allowed powerful elites to manipulate election outcomes, fostering an environment where accountability to the general populace is nearly non-existent. In contrast, a direct election model would dismantle these hidden power structures, giving every Somali citizen an equal opportunity to influence the future of their country and ensuring elected officials are accountable to the people rather than to specific interest groups.
The opposition’s current stance reflects a lack of innovative policies and undermines the people’s desire for change.
While they could engage in meaningful debate or propose alternatives that might enhance or refine the president’s vision, they have chosen instead to obstruct progress. This behaviour suggests an unwillingness to embrace democratic reform and a preference for maintaining a system that serves the few rather than the many. The Somali people deserve better; they deserve a government that works transparently, where elected officials represent the entire nation’s interests, not just those of a select few.
The opposition’s argument that Somalia is not ready for direct elections, often citing security or logistical issues, overlooks the possibility of gradual implementation supported by international partnerships and security coordination. With Somalia’s progress in recent years, these challenges are not insurmountable but require determination and strategic planning. President Hassan’s approach of gradual and planned reform balances ambition with realism, ensuring that direct elections are implemented to support long-term stability.
A Commitment Fulfilled President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Pursuit of Direct Elections Amidst Opposition’s Obstruction
Somalia stands at a critical crossroads. The choice before its people is clear: to continue with the opaque, indirect electoral system perpetuating clan-based power and division or to embrace a future where every citizen has a direct say in the country’s leadership and future direction.
By supporting President Dr Hassan’s pursuit of direct elections, the Somali people can forge a stronger, more democratic nation free from the shadow of corruption and clan-based politics. It is time to build a Somalia guided by its people’s collective will, where unity prevails, and every citizen can actively shape the nation’s destiny.
Abdullahi M Hassan ( Abdullahi Yabarow), Legal Researcher, Co-founder and Director of the Federal Dialogue, the National Unity Programme, and the Legal Office at Mowlac Forum, a Somali-based research organisation.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) and is a legal researcher, political scholar, and international legal advisor. His expertise includes public international law, human rights law, and federal dialogue processes, focusing on legal reform, governance, and state-building in post-conflict and transitional contexts.
Abdullahi remains dedicated to advancing inclusive governance, legal development, and the rule of law through research, advocacy, and strategic legal counsel at national and international levels.
