Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and four key opposition leaders have signed an agreement on the country’s upcoming elections.
The deal, finalized on August 25, 2025, sets the framework for the electoral process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Shift Towards Universal Suffrage
The agreement follows the adoption of a new electoral law in October 2024, which introduced universal suffrage for the first time in Somalia’s modern history.
Under the deal:
- The President will be elected by Parliament.
- Members of Parliament will be chosen through universal suffrage.
- Political parties winning at least 10% of parliamentary seats will gain official recognition.
- All political actors committed to transitioning to a “one person, one vote” system.
President Mohamoud Hails Breakthrough
After two months of tense discussions, President Mohamoud welcomed the deal, saying:
“The doors to state reconstruction are now open.”
He described the agreement as a major milestone toward strengthening democracy and state institutions.
Opposition Divisions Remain
Despite the progress, the reforms have sparked divisions within the opposition. Some leaders still favor Somalia’s long-standing indirect clan-based system.
Former President Sherif Sheikh Ahmed warned that Somalia’s fragile security situation may not support the transition to direct elections, highlighting the challenges ahead.
What Lies Ahead for Somalia
While the agreement marks a political victory for President Mohamoud, he still faces the task of uniting a fragmented opposition and ensuring security before the 2026 polls.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Somalia can successfully deliver its first universal suffrage election in decades.
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