MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday launched a national consultation forum aimed at steering the country toward universal suffrage despite a boycott by key opposition figures and regional states, raising concerns over the inclusivity and legitimacy of the process.
Speaking at the National Consultation Forum opening in Mogadishu, President Mohamud said the government remains committed to transitioning from indirect voting to a “one person, one vote” system ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“This gathering demonstrates our priority to listen to diverse opinions on state-building,” the president said. “As a government, we seek dialogue and consultation—something missing under previous leadership. The door is open to everyone.”
The Somali president reiterated that returning to the clan-based indirect voting system, which has governed recent elections, would harm the country’s democratic aspirations.
“Our political stakeholders agree—there’s no going back to the outdated system that weakened transparency and democracy,” Mohamud said.
Under Somalia’s indirect model, traditional elders nominate delegates who elect lawmakers and select the president. While intended as a transitional mechanism, the system has been widely criticized for entrenching elite power structures and lacking public accountability.
Opposition and federal states boycott
Despite the open call, prominent opposition figures and two influential federal member states—Jubaland and Puntland—refused to participate.
The opposition umbrella group, the Council for Somali Salvation (Madasha Samata-bixinta Soomaaliyeed), accused the president of using the forum to consolidate power and sideline political rivals.
In a joint statement, opposition leaders alleged that the dialogue is “a tool to strengthen President Hassan Sheikh’s authority” and marginalize dissent in the lead-up to national elections.
Jubaland and Puntland declared they would not attend, citing concerns over procedural fairness and fears that the process would override federal autonomy.
President Mohamud emphasized that while international support remains essential, the responsibility for state-building ultimately lies with Somalis.
“The international community has supported us when needed, but what remains is our responsibility,” he said. “We must reach a Somali-led consensus on our nation’s future.”
He also appealed for unity, urging all Somalis to avoid divisions that could threaten national cohesion.
“Our goal is clear—a national election based on one person, one vote,” he said. “Any questions surrounding that goal will be resolved through genuine dialogue.”
Deepening political mistrust
The event drew participation from current government officials, former politicians, civil society representatives, political parties, and invited dignitaries. However, the absence of opposition voices and key regional administrations has cast doubt over the forum’s ability to serve as a truly inclusive platform.
Observers say the boycott reflects deepening political mistrust at a critical juncture in Somalia’s fragile federal system. The strained relationship between Mogadishu and regional states has been a recurring source of tension, especially over resource allocation, security operations, and the structure of future elections.
With less than two years until Somalia’s next scheduled general election, the government faces growing pressure to deliver a credible electoral process. While the forum marks a step forward in consultation, analysts warn that rebuilding trust with opposition actors and regional leaders is crucial for a unified political roadmap.
“The national dialogue offers an opportunity,” said a Mogadishu-based analyst. “But its success will depend on broad participation and transparent outcomes. Excluding major players could undermine both.”
The Somali government has stated that additional consultation rounds will follow, with hopes that dissenting parties will eventually join.