Somalia’s protests overshadowed by historic polls

Somalia’s democratic transition gained momentum on Sunday after South-West State conducted historic one-man one-vote elections, a development many observers described as a landmark moment for a country emerging from decades of conflict and political instability.

The elections took place against the backdrop of low-key opposition protests in Mogadishu, where only a small number of demonstrators turned up despite earlier fears of major unrest in the capital.

Security forces maintained a visible presence across key roads in Mogadishu, but the day remained largely peaceful as attention shifted toward the direct voting exercise underway in South-West State.

The elections are part of Somalia’s broader efforts to move away from the indirect clan-based electoral model that has dominated the country’s politics for years. Under the traditional system, clan elders and selected delegates voted on behalf of citizens instead of universal suffrage.

Earlier this year, Mogadishu held similar one-person-one-vote local elections, widely viewed as a major democratic breakthrough in a country where insecurity and political disputes have repeatedly delayed electoral reforms.

Thousands of residents participated in the Mogadishu polls, which analysts described as an important test for Somalia’s democratic ambitions and institutional rebuilding process.

Renowned political analyst Amad Muhammad said Sunday’s developments reflected changing political attitudes among ordinary Somalis.

“These events show that Somalis are increasingly eager to embrace democracy after decades of turmoil,” he said. “There is growing belief that direct elections can help strengthen legitimacy, accountability, and national unity.”

The federal government has strongly defended its push for universal suffrage despite criticism from sections of the opposition, who argue that the reforms require broader political consensus.

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad dismissed attempts to undermine the electoral process, insisting the country must stay committed to democratic reforms.

“Somalia cannot be hijacked by those who fear the ballot box. The path forward is not confusion, pressure, or political hijacking; the right path is direct elections,” Balcad stated.

The Horn of Africa nation has spent more than three decades rebuilding state institutions following civil war and the collapse of central authority in 1991. Efforts to establish stable governance have often been complicated by clan rivalries, political disputes, and the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab insurgents.

Political observers say the peaceful conduct of the latest elections could strengthen confidence in Somalia’s transition toward universal suffrage.

Authorities have announced plans to expand the electoral model to other federal member states in the coming months, including Galmudug State and Hirshabelle State.

Analysts warn that while challenges remain significant, the continuation of direct elections may mark the beginning of a new political chapter for Somalia, where democratic participation increasingly takes precedence over conflict and political confrontation.

National Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission Chairman Abdikarim Hassan praised the exercise. He said: “We have pulled off another exercise where thousands came to select their leaders. It is a learning curve and we are on the right track.”