(08 Feb 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The United Nations is supporting Somalia’s efforts to transition to a “one-person, one-vote” electoral system, a key step in the country’s democratic development.
A recent three-day workshop in Mogadishu brought together members of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEC) and UN electoral experts. The discussions focused on the essential elements of credible electoral management and ensuring inclusive elections.
The UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) highlighted the event on social media, emphasizing the UN’s commitment to the process.
The move towards direct elections would represent a significant shift from Somalia’s previous indirect electoral model. In that system, clan elders selected delegates who then voted for members of parliament.
However, the implementation of universal suffrage faces significant challenges, including security concerns, logistical hurdles in voter registration, and potential political disagreements.
The Somali government has expressed its aim to hold direct elections in the coming years, a move that could significantly reshape the country’s political landscape and increase democratic participation.
Halqabsi News
As part of @UN‘s commitment to strengthening democracy in #Somalia, a three-day workshop held recently in #Mogadishu brought together the Commissioners of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and UN electoral experts to discuss the elements of credible… pic.twitter.com/vTMBlEkbZQ
— UNTMIS (@UNTMIS_) February 8, 2025
