PM Barre meets electoral commission, reaffirms push for one-person, one-vote elections

Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre met with the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Monday to discuss preparations for implementing electoral laws and transitioning the country to one-person, one-vote elections.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre stressed the importance of efficient and fair electoral processes, urging the commission to expedite its work as the Parliament has recently finalized the necessary legislative framework. 

Barre reiterated that the government  aims to empower citizens to directly elect their leaders, moving away from the traditional clan-based political system.  

The commission, established to oversee this transition, is tasked with organizing local council elections in June 2025, followed by federal parliamentary and presidential elections later that year.  

However, the commission's legitimacy has come under scrutiny. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, and leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland have accused the body of serving President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's political interests rather than ensuring a neutral and transparent electoral process.