Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Elections in Shift to One-Person-One-Vote System

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia has announced that the country is entering a new phase of inclusive elections, placing strong emphasis on transparency, legal compliance, and public accountability.

In its statement, the ministry underscored that the forthcoming electoral process will be conducted in a clear, open, and verifiable manner to rebuild public confidence and ensure credibility at every stage. It stressed that safeguarding transparency is central to delivering elections that are not only free and fair but also widely trusted by citizens.

The ministry reiterated that elections are a constitutional right of every Somali citizen and a cornerstone for strengthening democratic governance. It noted that broad-based participation will be key to ensuring legitimacy in the formation of government institutions.

Background and Transition

This announcement follows the passage of key electoral laws last year, which laid the legal foundation for Somalia’s transition away from the longstanding 4.5 clan-based power-sharing system toward a universal suffrage model based on one-person-one-vote.

The shift represents a significant political transformation. Under the 4.5 system, political representation was allocated among major clans and minority groups through indirect selection processes.

The new model, however, aims to give every eligible Somali citizen an equal vote in choosing their leaders, marking a move toward a more democratic and citizen-driven system.

In recent months, authorities have taken practical steps toward this transition, including the rollout of universal suffrage elections in Mogadishu and the ongoing voter registration exercise in the various parts of the country. These efforts are seen as critical building blocks for expanding the model nationwide.

The ministry stated that the upcoming electoral process will be direct, free, and fair, guided by democratic principles, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

It further confirmed that all relevant institutions are expected to carry out their mandates in line with the new legal framework.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening state institutions and delivering a transparent electoral system capable of advancing Somalia’s democratic trajectory.