MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday registered as a voter for the country’s upcoming direct elections, a symbolic move that comes just one day before a scheduled meeting with opposition candidates in the capital.
The president, who received his voter registration card in Mogadishu, described the act as both personal and historic. “Today, I proudly received my voter registration card, a milestone reaffirming my unwavering belief that direct elections are the way forward for Somalia,” Mohamud said. “This is not just a card; it’s a symbol of our shared commitment to building a democratic country where every citizen’s voice matters.”
His registration has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a public show of commitment to democratic reform, while critics argue that the move comes amid unresolved disputes over the framework for the 2026 elections and proposed constitutional amendments.
Tensions remain between the federal government, regional states, and opposition figures over how the next elections should be conducted. Some political leaders warn that pushing ahead without consensus risks deepening divisions, while others say delays would stall Somalia’s democratic progress.
The president’s planned talks with opposition candidates on Wednesday are expected to address these disagreements and explore possible compromises.
Somalia last held a one-person, one-vote election more than 50 years ago. The most recent national polls in 2022 were indirect, with clan elders selecting lawmakers who then elected the president. The government insists it is determined to deliver universal suffrage in 2026 despite logistical, security, and political challenges.
