Somalia Moves to Strengthen Women, Disability Inclusion in Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is stepping up efforts to secure greater participation by women and people with disabilities in elections, with government officials and the national electoral body discussing measures to enforce a 30% representation target for women.

Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi held talks with Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed over cooperation between the two institutions and ways to strengthen the participation of underrepresented groups.

The discussions focused on protecting the political rights of women and people with disabilities and ensuring they can participate meaningfully throughout the electoral process.

The ministry said it was ready to work with the electoral commission to help remove barriers to participation and ensure that the rights and dignity of the two groups are protected.

“Women and people with disabilities must fully participate in the political process and elections,” Minister Khadija said, according to the ministry.

The talks also examined the implementation of the 30% provision for women, alongside measures aimed at increasing the involvement of people with disabilities in elections.

The meeting brought together the ministry’s Director General Maxamed Bashiir Cumar, advisers and senior officials, as well as members of the electoral commission.

The two sides stressed the importance of coordination among government institutions in delivering an electoral process that allows broader participation across Somali society.

The push for greater inclusion comes as Somalia continues to develop its electoral institutions and prepare for future elections, with women’s political representation and access for people with disabilities remaining key issues in efforts to broaden participation.