Somalia to Start Direct Elections After 50 Years Without a Real President Elected by the People.

Somalia to Start Direct Elections After 50 Years Without a Real President Elected by the People.

(Africa -Somalia)

After more than five decades of relying on indirect elections, Somalia is taking a historic step toward democratic renewal.

The country is set to hold its first direct elections in 2026, a monumental shift in its political landscape since the last direct national elections in 1967.

For over 50 years, Somalia has operated under a clan-based power-sharing model, known as the 4.5 system.

This approach allocates political representation among four major clans (Dir, Darod, Hawiye, and Digil-Mirifle), with minority clans collectively receiving a smaller portion.

Instead of citizens casting their votes, 135 traditional clan elders selected delegates, who, in turn, elected members of parliament and ultimately the president.

Per media reports, while this system helped maintain a semblance of governance during Somalia’s turbulent years, it has been criticized for excluding women, youth, and minority voices while perpetuating clan-based politics.

Women’s inclusion was limited despite efforts such as the introduction of a 30% parliamentary quota for women, which faced cultural resistance.

The upcoming elections signal the end of the clan-based model.

The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has already begun voter registration in preparation for the 2026 elections.

For the first time in decades, Somali citizens will have the chance to participate in a one-person, one-vote election.

This marks a transformative moment in Somalia’s journey toward democracy, as it lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and representative political system.

This information is critically important in understanding why Somali people may be migrating out of the country due to a lack of stability and a real government in place based on the will of the majority.

Despite widespread optimism, the shift to direct elections has not been without controversy.

Some political leaders have raised concerns about the process, citing fears of exclusion and political division.

Security remains another pressing issue, as the country continues to grapple with threats from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.

The upcoming direct elections are not just about choosing leaders—they represent a significant turning point in Somalia’s history.

It’s a chance to move beyond the limitations of the past and embrace a democratic future.

For a nation that has endured decades of political instability, this step forward is a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the Somali people.

Somalia is poised to hold its first direct elections in over 50 years, marking a pivotal step toward restoring democratic governance, according to media reports.

The disruption in Somalia began with a military coup in 1969, when General Siad Barre overthrew the civilian government, ending direct voting.

Barre’s centralized socialist regime collapsed in 1991, plunging Somalia into civil war and a fragmented state controlled by warlords and militias.

In 2000, the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing model emerged as a temporary solution, relying on traditional elders to select leaders.

While stabilizing the country, this system sidelined direct citizen participation.

Persistent threats from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, coupled with institutional weaknesses, further hindered progress toward democracy.

The planned elections in 2026 will transition Somalia to a one-person, one-vote system, empowering its citizens for the first time in decades.

It’s a monumental leap forward for a nation rebuilding after years of turmoil. Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group in Somalia, emerged in the mid-2000s as an offshoot of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).

It seeks to establish an Islamic state under its strict interpretation of Sharia law. Known for attacks on civilians, officials, and international forces,

Al-Shabaab also recruits child soldiers and enforces harsh punishments, causing immense suffering and instability in Somalia.

Their goal is to overthrow the Somali government and expel foreign influence.

Recently, U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS operatives in northern Somalia, not Al-Shabaab, per media reports.

Although both are extremist groups, they operate independently with differing motives and agendas.

As Canada recently elected a new prime minister and the U.S. prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, there is hope that Somalia’s voter registration efforts this year will pave the way for a new president elected by the people in 2026, marking the first direct election in over 50 years.

This article originally appeared in All African Politics and has been modified to correct factual inaccuracies and provide additional context.