Somalia pushes for direct elections—but must win over its critics first

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Photo credit: Reuters

Once in a while, Somali government officials come forth to declare the next elections will be direct voting, some kind of universal suffrage.

This week, they told the diplomatic corps and the international partners, in general, that the federal government was prepared to abandon the oft-controversial elections that run on clan influence. The next polls are expected at the end of 2026.