Somalia Launches Direct Election Initiative Amid Political Turmoil

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's cabinet kick-started implementation of the direct elections model just days after the bicameral legislature approved electoral laws, effectively phasing out the traditional clan-based model, which government says is 'outdated'.

On Tuesday night cabinet approved 18 names of members who will sit in the Independent Commission for Electoral and Boundaries during an extraordinary session in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, ending the two-decade dominance of the clan-based model.

"The Cabinet has approved the Independent Commission for Electoral and Boundaries during an extraordinary session," state media noted. "This body will oversee transparent elections nationwide, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring democratic rights through a One-Person-One-Vote system."

On Wednesday,  Somalia's Federal Parliament approved the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in a joint session Wednesday, with 169 votes in favor in a chaotic session. 

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud proposed several radical changes to the constitution including electoral laws, leading to the current standoff. Jubaland and Puntland have since rebuffed the move, maintaining that the model would trigger unconstitutional term extensions.

Prime Minister Hamze Barre unveiled the list Tuesday night following the passage of the election-related laws by the Federal Parliament. The names shall be presented to Parliament for approval as the country starts implementation of the model through voter registration.

Those picked to serve in the commission include Abdikariim Ahmed Hassan, Saadiq Abshir Garaad, Mohmmed Abdirahmaan Aadan, Yusuf Abdiqaadir Mahamed-Baafo, Omar Abuukar Omar, Farhiyo Mohamed Yusuf, Dr. Omar Jama Mohamed, Farah Abdi Hasan and Sahro Diiriye Muuse.

Others are Abdullahi Salaad Yaroow, Mohamed Amiin Hasan Abdullahi, Abdi Adow Mohamed, Abdishakuur Abiib Haayir, Khaalid Ibrahim Ismail, Aamina Sheikh Osman Mohamed, Naasir Mohamed Shire, Abdirhim Abdillahi Shaafihi and Mohamed Omar Ismail.

Once the voter register is up to date, elections shall be held in states and at the federal level, with terms of winners aligned to promote democracy in the country. This shall provide a significant platform for the country to reform its electoral systems and promote democratic ideals, Hassan Sheikh said.

But Jubaland has already gone ahead and conducted elections, leading to explosive differences between Mogadishu and Kismayo. Troops buildups have been reported in Raskamboni and El-Wak even as the international partners called for tolerance.

GAROWE ONLINE