“Somalia’s Defence Minister Registers to Vote, Boosting Democratic Progress

 Somalia’s Defence Minister Registers to Vote, Boosting Democratic Progress

Somalia has witnessed a historic moment as Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi formally registered as a voter at the National Independent Electoral Commission center in Galkacyo, Mudug region. His registration highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and give citizens the opportunity to participate fully in elections that shape their future.

After receiving his voter card, Minister Fiqi encouraged all Somali citizens, particularly communities across the country, to engage actively in the registration process. He stressed that citizen participation is crucial for electing leaders who genuinely represent the people at local, federal, and national levels. This moment is especially significant in a nation striving to consolidate democratic norms after decades of political instability.

Minister Fiqi described his registration as a historic step and essential for state-building. “Elections are a constitutional right that has been absent for 56 years, and today that right has been restored to the Somali people,” he said. By emphasizing one-person-one-vote participation, he hopes to strengthen the legitimacy and transparency of Somalia’s electoral system.

Despite this positive step, challenges remain. Opposition leaders, including former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, have criticized the government for proceeding unilaterally. They warned that if consensus is not reached, a parallel voting process could be organized, potentially complicating the national effort for unified elections.

The last Somali election in 2022 relied on the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing formula, which allocated equal parliamentary representation among the four major clans and a half-share for minority groups. Critics argue that this system has limited inclusivity and delayed the establishment of a fully representative government. The current voter registration drive represents a move toward citizen-focused governance rather than clan-based politics.

Minister Fiqi’s participation also serves as a symbolic gesture to inspire citizens. It demonstrates the importance of civic engagement and shows that every individual vote contributes to shaping Somalia’s political landscape. As citizens across the nation register to vote, the country takes another step toward consolidating democracy and ensuring leadership that reflects the people’s will.

Ultimately, Somalia’s voter registration initiative is not just a procedural step—it represents hope, empowerment, and a long-awaited opportunity for national reconciliation. If public participation continues and political consensus is achieved, Somalia could see elections that are both free and genuinely representative, laying a stronger foundation for democracy.