** Somalia: towards an evolution of its electoral system? **
The launch of a national voters’ recording campaign in Mogadishu represents a significant advance in the Somali political landscape, as local elections approached for the end of June 2024. For the first time in almost fifty years, citizens of the capital will have the opportunity to go to registration centers to participate in a democratic process which, so far, was largely inaccessible to them. This initiative, announced by Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the president of the independent electoral commission and limits, raises crucial issues on the evolution of the electoral system in Somalia.
### A complex political context
Since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, Somalia has gone through decades of internal conflicts and instability. The country has joined an indirect voting system based on the clans, which was in force until the 2022 election, where each clan was unevenly represented in the legislative chamber. Model 4.5, which allocates seats with four large clans and a fraction of minorities, has often been criticized for its inability to promote a real democratic representation.
In 2023, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed his intention to reform this system by heading towards direct elections “a citizen, a vote” by 2026. This promise of transition is essential to restore the confidence of citizens in Somalian democracy, but it is not without raising worries.
### Opposition reactions
Influential political figures, such as former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, expressed their distrust of the proposed reforms. They describe the “unilateral” government’s steps and have suggested that they could consider a parallel vote if their concerns are not taken into account. These tensions highlight the importance of inclusive consultations and constructive dialogues in this pivotal period.
The reluctance of certain opinion leaders reveals fractures that can hinder the implementation of a more participative democratic system. The question then arises as to how the government can reconcile its reforming ambitions with the legitimate concerns of the opposition. The construction of a consensus around the modalities of the transition seems essential to guarantee the legitimacy and sustainability of future elections.
### The challenges to be met
The process of recording voters, which begins this Tuesday, is a real test for Somali institutions. Logistics, awareness of citizens and access to recording centers are crucial challenges to overcome. Civil society has a preponderant role to play in encouraging the participation of voters and ensuring that this system is accessible to all, regardless of their clan origin or their socio-economic status.
In addition, the security framework must be taken into account, given the lasting impact of armed groups which continue to operate in certain regions of the country. Security concerns can slow down the participation of voters and affect the integrity of the electoral process.
### Towards a inclusive political future
The path to direct elections in Somalia is strewn with pitfalls, but it also carries hope. The desire displayed by the government to modernize the electoral system could mark a turning point in the long -awaited quest for a truly democratic representation.
Following carefully the evolution of this voter recording campaign will be crucial to observe how the different stakeholders interact and negotiate their respective interests. Innovative and inclusive solutions, encouraged by a constructive dialogue between elected officials, opposition and civil society, will be essential to build a political future in Somalia which is both stable and representative.
Thus, the political future of Somalia will depend not only on the implementation of new electoral structures, but also on the capacity of Samalians to unite around their common democratic aspirations, going beyond historical cleavages to trace a path to peace and cohesion.