President Mohamud Defends Electoral Progress, Calls for Political Dialogue

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited political stakeholders to fresh talks aimed at resolving disagreements over the country’s electoral future, as his government pushes ahead with plans to replace indirect voting with universal suffrage.

In an address to the nation on Sunday, President Mohamud defended his administration’s democratic reforms and security record, insisting that political differences could be resolved through dialogue.

The invitation comes amid continuing disagreements over Somalia’s electoral arrangements and constitutional reforms, which have divided the federal government and some political stakeholders.

“The door to dialogue remains open at all times,” Mohamud said. “We are ready to engage with those who hold different views, listen to their recommendations, and discuss matters of national importance.”

He formally invited political stakeholders to a dialogue forum, saying official invitations would be issued through the appropriate channels.

The president also presented figures he said demonstrated progress towards direct elections, a central pledge of his administration.

According to Mohamud, more than 1.82 million citizens registered to vote at 1,102 polling stations across 50 districts, resulting in the direct election of 1,435 officials.

He said voting had taken place without violence at any polling station, describing the process as a significant step towards restoring democratic participation after decades of indirect electoral arrangements.

Somalia has relied largely on an indirect electoral system in which clan representatives and delegates play a central role in selecting lawmakers, rather than citizens electing their national representatives through universal suffrage.

President Mohamud described the transition towards one-person, one-vote elections as a return to a democratic path abandoned years ago.

“Our objective is to ensure that the Somali people enjoy their right to elect their leaders through their votes,” he said.

The president also highlighted gains in military operations against Al-Shabaab, saying government forces had driven militants from several areas and enabled the restoration of public services and state institutions.

Despite the government’s push for direct elections, disagreements over the electoral framework and constitutional changes remain significant challenges to building political consensus.

The president did not announce a date or venue for the proposed dialogue forum, leaving open whether opposition figures and other political stakeholders would accept the invitation.

The latest appeal places renewed attention on whether Somalia’s political leaders can reach agreement on electoral arrangements while the country continues its campaign against Al-Shabaab.