Political situation in Somalia

Direct elections in Mogadishu – first time in 56 years

For the first time since 1969, local elections are being held in the Somali capital Mogadishu according to the principle of “one person, one vote,” reports AP. Different clans have long negotiated who will take seats in the local parliament, but this time the residents will be allowed to vote.

Mohamed Husein Gaas, an analyst at the Raad Peace Research Institute, notes that the influence of citizens is now being strengthened.

“It shows that there is a desire to build a sustainable state based on democracy, trust, cohesion and long-term stability.”

Several opposition parties, however, are skeptical and call it a sham election.

Mixed reactions: “This does not feel like an election”

Farhiyo Mohamed is one of hundreds of thousands of residents of the Somali capital Mogadishu who are voting in Thursday’s local elections. For over 50 years, parliamentarians have been appointed through negotiations between clans, and this is the first time she has voted.

Critics describe it as a sham process, but she is happy to be able to vote.

“I have never experienced this in my entire life: being able to participate in an election and see with my own eyes how everyone is allowed to vote.”

Resident Said Omar is even more critical of the process. He tells Bloomberg that there is no information about who is running or what policies they stand for.

“This doesn’t feel like an election.”