Somalia: Farmaajo says president must set inclusive election framework before his term ends

MOGADISHU, May 8 - Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Friday called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to establish an inclusive electoral framework before his mandate expires next week, warning that a lack of consensus could trigger further instability.

The statement comes amid a deepening political deadlock in the Horn of Africa nation, with the opposition and federal government at odds over election protocols and proposed constitutional amendments as the May 15 deadline looms.

"Next Friday is 15 May 2026: the last legitimate day of outgoing president Hassan Sheikh's term," Farmaajo said in a statement released by his office. "In his last week, he must focus on finding an inclusive election model with all stakeholders."

Farmaajo, who served as president from 2017 to 2022, also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of journalists and civil society activists detained during recent political tensions. He accused the current administration of violating constitutional principles and moving toward authoritarian rule.

"He must also release all illegally imprisoned civil society activists and journalists," Farmaajo added.

Despite the approaching end of the presidential term, the government and opposition remain deadlocked. Critics of President Mohamud have expressed concern that the absence of a consensus-based agreement on the model for upcoming elections could lead to a constitutional vacuum and national division.

Government officials were not immediately available for comment on Farmaajo’s statement. In recent months, the administration has defended its efforts to reform the electoral system, arguing that the changes are necessary for national stability and direct universal suffrage.

Somalia has long struggled to implement a "one-person, one-vote" system, often relying on a complex indirect model involving clan elders and regional representatives.

GAROWE ONLINE