Hassan Sheikh Rejects Settlement as Opposition Plans Next Steps in Somalia’s Electoral Deadlock

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has rejected proposals aimed at breaking the country’s electoral deadlock, ending a meeting with opposition leaders in stalemate.

The talks, held Monday, focused on disputes over amendments to Chapter Four of Somalia’s provisional constitution — changes that most federal member states and opposition leaders have denounced as unconstitutional. Sources close to the negotiations said the president firmly opposed all proposals brought to the table, insisting that no changes be made to the current electoral framework, including the procedures and election commissions at both national and regional levels.

However, Mohamud indicated he might ask parliament to consider allowing the public to directly elect members of the lower house, while maintaining that the president would still be chosen by parliament.

The impasse led both sides to walk away without a deal. Later that evening, opposition leaders met privately and appointed a three-member committee to draft a statement outlining their position on the failed talks and offering their recommendations for the country’s political future.

The collapse of the meeting comes as Somalia faces mounting political and security challenges, fueling concerns among domestic and international stakeholders.

— Garowe Online