Former Somali PM warns against giving regional states control over parliamentary elections

Saturday November 8, 2025

 

Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has warned that allowing regional states to manage the upcoming federal parliamentary elections would risk plunging the country into deeper political turmoil and repeat the irregularities of past polls. His remarks were made during an interview on the Maamul Wanaag podcast hosted by Mahad Wasuge of Somali Public Agenda.

Speaking on Saturday, Sharmarke said regional presidents who allegedly manipulated results and “looted seats” in previous elections remain in power and should not be entrusted with overseeing the process again. The discussion formed part of Episode 61 of the Maamul Wanaag Podcast.

“It would be a grave mistake if regional states were given the power to manage the elections once more,” Sharmarke said. “Even if the number of voters is increased, the outcome will not change. An independent national commission must be established—one in which the regional states have no influence.”

The former prime minister urged the Federal Government to create a single, impartial electoral body with nationwide authority to administer the elections, replacing the current system in which regional leaders appoint local electoral commissions. He argued that the federal-level commission should directly select and supervise election officials across all regions.

Sharmarke identified the previous electoral process as deeply flawed, citing the selection of electoral delegates by regional administrations as a key factor that led to widespread seat manipulation. He also criticized the absence of an independent body to handle complaints and adjudicate disputes over contested seats.

“The lack of a neutral mechanism to address grievances allowed electoral theft to go unpunished,” he said.

His remarks come amid renewed debate over Somalia’s electoral framework, as political leaders deliberate how to conduct the next parliamentary elections in a way that ensures fairness, transparency, and national cohesion.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article did not attribute Former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke’s remarks to the Maamul Wanaag podcast. His comments were made during an interview hosted by Mahad Wasuge of Somali Public Agenda. The article has been updated to include the correct attribution.