The electoral process in Somalia is at a sensitive stage. Will it be free and fair, or is the government attempting to maintain power? Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed calls for a transparent electoral process. But will his warnings be heeded?
Former President of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, one of the opposition leaders, has once again clarified his stance against the one-person, one-vote electoral system that the government is pushing, expressing concerns about its implementation and the impact it could have on the country's political situation following a meeting with the United Nations.
In a meeting held yesterday with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the importance of an agreed-upon, trustworthy, and legally compliant election, which all political parties agree upon. Their discussion in Mogadishu focused on the ongoing disputes about the electoral process expected to be held in Somalia.
" I met with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the UN in Somalia. We discussed many important issues, including politics, the contested electoral process, and the need for an election that is agreed upon, reliable, and in accordance with the law for the upcoming election," said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in a message published on X.
UNTMIS also confirmed the meeting between Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and James Swan, emphasizing that the United Nations will continue to support Somalia in achieving a transparent and inclusive election.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is among the major opposition critics of the government's handling of the election, warning that any non-consensual action could lead to political instability. He strongly opposed the efforts he claimed the government is making to extend its term illegally, citing Somalia's past experiences that showed that extending the term can lead to adverse political and security consequences.
The former president has previously called on the international community to prevent any attempts to delay the election or manipulate the electoral process, describing these actions as unacceptable.
Meetings have been ongoing, including another meeting held yesterday by Swan with Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, to discuss preparations for Somalia's elections.
The Somali government has often expressed the possibility of a one-person, one-vote election, but it still faces significant opposition from the regional states of Puntland, Jubaland, and other opposition groups, who argue that this is not feasible.
