Saturday December 21, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enabling Somali citizens to elect their federal and regional leaders directly by 2026.
Speaking at the 81st anniversary celebration of the Somali Police Force in Mogadishu on Saturday, President Mohamud linked progress in elections to advancements in security, highlighting the dual challenges his government faces.
"Our elections will be held properly when our security is secure. We want the Police to be prepared. We are engaging in elections with one hand, and with the other hand, we are fighting terrorism," he said.
The president emphasized that his administration is prepared to establish a committee to draft election-related laws and underscored his government's determination to fulfill its pledge to return decision-making power to the people.
"We promised leaders elected by the people will govern the nation. After 56 years, we are committed to returning power to Somali citizens," he said, adding that the security forces, including the Police, must be ready to safeguard the elections.
Somalia's parliament passed election amendments in November 2023, paving the way for universal suffrage after decades of an indirect clan-based voting system. Under the new framework, the president will be directly elected, with the next presidential election scheduled for 2026.
Security remains a critical challenge, as the militant group Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat by targeting election processes and infrastructure. The federal government, in collaboration with local clan militias, the African Union peacekeeping force, and U.S. airstrikes, continues to combat the insurgents.