Mogadishu, Somalia – (African Boulevard News) – Somalia’s government and federal member states have given the green light to direct universal suffrage in a historic move towards democracy. The announcement comes after years of electoral delays and controversy surrounding indirect voting.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledged the introduction of universal suffrage in 2016, but it has taken until now to put the plan into action. The decision to revert to direct voting was announced this week after consultation with the country’s federal member states.
Local elections are now set for June 2024, with the country to return to presidential rule. Speaking on the development, President Mohamud stated that, “This is a significant milestone for our country, we have worked hard to achieve this and we will continue to work towards peaceful elections and a better Somalia.”
The move to universal suffrage is a significant step towards democratic governance in the country. Previously, only a small group of clan elders chose representatives to vote for the president and parliament.
The announcement has been met with widespread support from civil society groups and political stakeholders. UN Special Representative James Swan, praised the move, saying that, “Somalia’s commitment to hold inclusive and transparent elections is commendable.”
The introduction of universal suffrage is expected to improve the credibility of future elections in the country, as well as increase representation and accountability. It is hoped that this move to direct voting will help to stabilize the country and boost investor confidence.
However, there are concerns that the timeline for the implementation of direct voting may be too ambitious. Somalia is still grappling with insecurity and political instability, a reality acknowledged by President Mohamud who stated that “we must work together to ensure that elections are peaceful and secure.”
Despite the challenges, there is hope that the country can successfully navigate this transition and continue on the path towards a more democratic society.
In conclusion, the decision to implement direct universal suffrage is a significant milestone for Somalia. The move towards direct voting is a positive development, and it is hoped that it will help to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the future. The timeline for implementation may be ambitious, but with continued support from the international community, Somalia can move towards a more stable and democratic future.
