The Somali parliament has unanimously approved amended chapters of the constitution regarding the transition to universal suffrage and a presidential system.
Until now, the presidential election in Somalia followed a complex indirect system, where state assemblies and delegates nominated by a myriad of clans and sub-clans select the legislators who then elect the president.
This change is among the promises of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, who announced in March 2023 that the forthcoming national and regional elections would be held on the "one person, one vote" principle.
Under these amendments, starting with the next 2026 elections, the position of Prime Minister will be abolished and replaced by a Vice President, elected on the same ballot as the Head of State.
The transition to a universal suffrage system from 2024 was at the heart of an agreement reached in May 2023 between the central government and the federal states of Somalia.
This significant constitutional amendment marks a pivotal shift in Somalia's political landscape, transitioning from a complex, clan-based, indirect electoral system to a direct, universal suffrage model. The prior system's intricacy stemmed from its reliance on clan-based assemblies and delegates to select the nation's legislators, who would then elect the president. This process, while reflective of Somalia's clan-centric social structure, often resulted in convoluted and protracted election cycles.
The amendment aligns with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud's electoral promise to institute a more democratic, transparent, and inclusive voting system, embodying the "one person, one vote" ethos. This commitment was a cornerstone of his campaign, signaling a move towards greater political inclusivity and democratic engagement in Somalia.
The abolition of the Prime Minister's role and its replacement with a Vice President, who will be elected concurrently with the President, signifies a restructuring of executive power, aiming to streamline governance and align Somalia with common presidential systems worldwide.
This transition was solidified through a consensus reached between Somalia's central government and its federal states, underscoring a unified commitment to democratic reform and political modernization. The move to universal suffrage is set to commence with the electoral cycle beginning in 2024, culminating in the 2026 elections, which will be the first to implement this new system.
The shift to a universal suffrage system is anticipated to enhance political accountability, foster greater voter engagement, and reflect a more direct representation of the Somali populace's will, thereby strengthening the nation's democratic foundations and contributing to its ongoing efforts toward stability and governance reform.
