Tuesday February 25, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to holding universal suffrage elections in 2026, including Puntland and Jubbaland.
Speaking to VOA Somali, Fiqi said the nation must move away from indirect elections. “We are ending the old practice where regional administrations dictate our choices. The people will no longer be forced into selections against their will. Elections will be held in Puntland, Jubbaland and throughout Somalia,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come as the Jubbaland and Puntland leaders and opposition politicians have opposed the shift to a one-person, one-vote system and accused the federal government of unilaterally managing the election.
Somalia last held a direct election in 1969, more than five decades ago, and has since relied on indirect voting methods.
The National Independent Electoral Commission said it is ready to break the current impasse and facilitate historic elections in which Somali citizens directly elect their leaders.