Mogadishu — (Hornpost) President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Thursday officially received his voter registration card, signaling renewed momentum behind his administration’s plan to introduce direct, one-person-one-vote elections in the country.
Speaking at the voter registration event, President Hassan Sheikh urged Somali citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing that democratic accountability begins with the ballot.
“Vote for a leader you can hold accountable—one who reaches office through your vote,” the president said.
The move forms part of a broader government initiative aimed at transitioning Somalia away from its long-standing indirect electoral system toward direct elections, a reform long advocated as essential for strengthening democratic governance and public accountability.
However, the president’s election roadmap has sparked strong opposition from segments of the political opposition as well as from the Jubaland and Puntland regional administrations, which have raised concerns over the process, timing, and political consensus surrounding the proposed elections. Critics argue that broader national dialogue and agreement are required before moving forward with direct polls.
Supporters of the initiative, meanwhile, describe the president’s personal participation in voter registration as a symbolic and political statement, underscoring his commitment to the same democratic process he is encouraging citizens to embrace.
The development is expected to further intensify Somalia’s political debate, as the country balances democratic aspirations with ongoing political disagreements over the future electoral framework.
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Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter
