Somalia's Foreign Minister Defends President's One-Person, One-Vote Election Plan

Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has strongly defended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's one-person, one-vote electoral proposal, dismissing opposition criticism as "political confusion."

Minister Fiqi urged political leaders to prioritize preparation for the proposed direct elections in a statement on Tuesday addressing the opposition's concerns. He emphasized that the plan represents the only viable and democratic path forward for Somalia.

"The President's vision for one-person, one-vote elections is aimed at ensuring an inclusive and transparent democratic process," Fiqi said. "The opposition should focus their efforts on contributing constructively rather than sowing doubt and confusion."

The one-person, one-vote plan significantly departs from Somalia's traditional clan-based power-sharing model. While supporters argue that it will strengthen democracy and promote national unity, critics within the opposition have voiced concerns over the feasibility of implementing such a system in a country facing ongoing security and political challenges.

As the nation moves closer to implementing electoral reforms, the government continues to advocate for a collective commitment to making the process successful, calling on all stakeholders to work together to overcome obstacles.

The debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing political reforms with the realities on the ground, as Somalia strives to build a more democratic future.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.