Somalia, EU Partners Push Ahead on Constitutional Reform and Direct Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and European Union member states reaffirmed support for constitutional reforms, democratic transition and institution-building during high-level talks in Mogadishu, as the nation pushes ahead with plans for direct elections.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hassan Moallim Mahmoud met ambassadors from EU member states backing Somalia, with discussions centered on security, completion of the provisional constitution, economic reforms and the government’s transition toward a one-person-one-vote electoral system.

The meeting underscored growing international backing for Somalia’s ongoing political reforms, which the federal government says are aimed at strengthening governance, expanding public participation and accelerating state-building efforts after years of instability.

Mahmoud said the government remained committed to advancing judicial institutions and building an inclusive democratic framework that would allow Somali citizens to directly elect their leaders, moving away from the clan-based indirect voting system that has dominated Somali politics for decades.

The talks also highlighted continued cooperation between Somalia and the European Union on governance, security and institutional development at a time when the government is pursuing both political reforms and military operations against al Shabaab insurgents.

Somalia has in recent months intensified efforts to finalize key constitutional chapters and lay the groundwork for broader electoral reforms, despite political tensions among stakeholders over the pace and structure of the transition.

The European Union remains one of Somalia’s main international partners, supporting stabilization efforts, judicial reform and democratic development as the country seeks to rebuild state institutions and improve security.

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