Somalia Election Talks Resume as Government and Opposition Seek Deal on One Person, One Vote System
Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups resumed election talks in Mogadishu, agreeing on key principles but remaining divided over the electoral model, constitutional framework and management of the next national vote.
MOGADISHU, (Somali Report) — Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups have resumed talks aimed at resolving a deep political dispute over the country’s next elections, with both sides agreeing on several key principles but remaining divided over how the voting system should be implemented.
The latest round of discussions began in Mogadishu on Monday under international mediation led by Türkiye, with representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, opposition movements, Puntland and Jubaland administrations, as well as officials from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and United Nations participating.
The talks follow months of political tension over Somalia’s transition from an indirect clan-based electoral system to a direct voting model. Although all sides support allowing Somali citizens to directly elect their representatives, disagreements remain over the structure, institutions and political arrangements needed to conduct the elections.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the parties agreed on three broad principles: maintaining clan representation, preserving the 30 percent quota for women, and holding elections based on the principle of one person, one vote.
However, the sides have yet to reach agreement on the most important issues, including the electoral model, constitutional framework and which body should oversee the vote.
The federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, supports a nationwide direct election system based on political parties. The president has argued that Somalia must move away from clan-centered politics and establish a modern party-based system where candidates compete through clear political programmes.
“We need the politics of parties, just like civilised nations,” Hassan said in June, arguing that candidates should represent political parties with known platforms and seek support directly from voters.
Opposition groups, including the Somali Future Council and other political movements, have proposed alternative models. They support direct voting but want to maintain elements of Somalia’s 4.5 clan power-sharing formula during a transitional period.
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The 4.5 system divides parliamentary representation among four major clan families, while minority communities collectively receive half a share. Supporters say the arrangement has helped maintain political balance, while critics argue it has limited democratic participation and strengthened clan influence.
Opposition leaders have also raised concerns about the management of elections. The federal government supports a single National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to oversee the process nationwide. Opposition groups want federal and regional electoral bodies involved, arguing that shared management would create greater trust.
Another major disagreement concerns the legal framework guiding the elections. The federal government wants the process based on constitutional amendments approved in 2026, while opposition figures insist the 2012 Provisional Constitution should remain the foundation for election laws.
The dispute has intensified after government-backed constitutional changes faced criticism from opposition groups, who argued they could extend President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term and delay federal elections until 2027.
International mediators have urged Somali leaders to find a compromise that balances democratic reforms with political stability. Diplomatic sources said possible solutions could include a transitional arrangement combining direct voting with elements of clan representation and shared election management.
Somalia’s political future depends heavily on reaching an agreement. The country held direct local council elections in Mogadishu in December 2025, the first one-person, one-vote election in decades, but major opposition groups boycotted the vote, accusing the government of acting without sufficient consultation.
The election dispute has already contributed to political unrest, including clashes in Mogadishu between government forces and opposition-aligned fighters.
The latest talks represent another attempt to prevent further instability and create a unified roadmap for Somalia’s next national elections. While leaders agree on the goal of direct elections, they remain divided over the rules and institutions required to make that transition successful.
About the Author
Aden Warsame is a Senior Reporter at Somali Report, covering politics, security, diplomacy, business, and regional affairs across Somalia and the Horn of Africa.