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Somalia on April 15, 2025 launched voter registration in Mogadishu for the first time in over 50 years, a step towards universal suffrage ahead of presidential elections scheduled for 2026. [AFP]
December 25, 2025, marked a historic moment in Somalia’s political development when one-person-one-vote elections were conducted in parts of southern Somalia. For decades, many Somalis viewed universal suffrage as an aspiration rather than a realistic political objective. While Puntland and Somaliland had previously demonstrated the feasibility of direct elections within their respective administrations, the prospect of conducting such elections in Mogadishu and southern Somalia was often met with skepticism. Yet despite political controversy, security concerns, and opposition criticism, Somalia has taken an important step toward building a democratic culture grounded in citizen participation.
When President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced his intention to transition toward one-person-one-vote elections, many questioned both his motives and his commitment to the process. The debate became more contentious because it coincided with the constitutional review process, which generated significant tensions between the government and opposition groups. Critics argued that constitutional reforms and electoral changes were being pursued without sufficient consensus, raising concerns about legitimacy and inclusivity. While the constitutional review merits its own separate discussion, the elections themselves deserve independent assessment because they represent a significant development regardless of broader political disagreements.
