Mogadishu, Somalia – November 17, 2024 :- Former Somali Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have strongly condemned the passing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Establishment Act by Somalia’s Federal Government Parliament on November 16, 2024. Both leaders criticized the move as unconstitutional and divisive, warning that it could destabilize the country and further alienate regional member states.
In a press statement, former President Farmaajo termed the act as “unconstitutional” and claimed it exacerbates divisions within Somalia, particularly by excluding Puntland and Jubaland from the decision-making process. Farmaajo pointed out that MPs from these two federal member states had refused to participate in the parliamentary sessions where the bill was passed, highlighting the absence of their input as a critical flaw in the process.
Farmaajo also expressed concern that the act represents an erosion of the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government, accusing the two arms of government of becoming indistinguishable, which undermines accountability and good governance principles. He called on Sheikh Adan Madoobe, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to halt the passage of laws that serve the interests of specific groups and instead focus on uniting the country.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Somalia’s former president, also condemned the bill, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government of orchestrating the move. Sharif specifically pointed to President Hassan Sheikh as the driving force behind the parliament’s actions, claiming he was aware of the consequences of such a decision, given his past role in opposing the one-person, one-vote (1P1V) electoral system during Farmaajo’s presidency. Sharif warned that the underlying issues that previously hindered the implementation of 1P1V elections still persist and cannot be ignored.
Both former presidents have called on the current administration to reconsider its stance and work toward a broader consensus on electoral reforms that includes all political parties and regional states. Analysts have stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the electoral process to preserve Somalia’s hard-earned stability and avoid further fragmentation.
The statements from Farmaajo and Sharif underline the growing tensions within Somalia’s political landscape as the country continues to grapple with the direction of its electoral system. With no consensus on the mode of election, experts warn that continued polarization could lead to a breakdown in national unity and governance. There are increasing calls for dialogue between the government, opposition groups, and regional leaders to forge a way forward before the situation deteriorates further.