President Hassan Sheikh Pledges Elections Will Be Held on Time

President Hassan Sheikh Pledges Elections Will Be Held on Time

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed that he will not extend his mandate beyond its constitutional timeline and pledged that national elections will be held as scheduled. In an interview with the BBC, the president emphasized that his term, which began on May 15, 2022, will end exactly four years later, on May 15, 2026.

“I want elections to take place within this timeframe, and I am ready to hand over power peacefully if I lose,” he said, underlining his commitment to Somalia’s democratic process.

The president acknowledged political disputes between the federal government and some member states but expressed optimism that tensions would ease. He noted that concessions have been made to strengthen cooperation and reiterated his government’s readiness to bring Puntland and Jubbaland to the negotiating table.

Central to his presidency, Mohamud said, is steering Somalia toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system and completing the country’s provisional constitution—two milestones seen as crucial for building strong state institutions and ensuring stability.