Wednesday October 30, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's political leaders have agreed to conduct local government elections in June 2025, followed by parliamentary elections in September 2025, according to a communique from the National Consultative Council (NCC) on Wednesday.
The NCC emphasized the importance of fair elections based on a multi-party system, allowing Somali citizens to elect their representatives directly. The leaders agreed that legislation regarding elections, multi-party systems, electoral commissions, and boundaries must be presented to the federal parliament immediately.
The federal and three regional state leaders called for the cabinet to finalize the establishment of the Independent National Commission for Elections and Boundaries. They stressed the need for this commission to create a detailed timetable to ensure a smooth electoral process in accordance with national laws.
The NCC meeting was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, Mogadishu Mayor Sheikh Hussein Jimale, and the regional presidents of Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug. However, leaders from Jubbaland and Puntland boycotted the meeting, potentially undermining its outcomes.Political tensions have existed between Puntland leader Said Deni and the federal government since the current administration took office in 2022. Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe initially attended the NCC meeting but left early, demanding the inclusion of Puntland and Khatumo in discussions to ensure the credibility of the nationwide elections.
Opposition figures, including former President Mohamed Farmaajo and Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, criticized the NCC communique, claiming it lacked consensus and did not represent the views of all stakeholders.