Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has called for an inclusive electoral agreement.
Former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo urges federal leaders, regional states and opposition groups to agree on inclusive elections.
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has warned that the Somalia election dispute could trigger civil conflict. He urged political leaders to agree on an inclusive electoral process to protect national unity.
His warning follows the electoral commission’s announcement of parliamentary elections for April 15, 2027. The commission also scheduled the presidential vote for May 15, 2027.
However, opposition leaders have challenged the timetable, arguing that the process lacks broad political agreement. Farmaajo wants the federal government, regional states and opposition groups to negotiate a shared path forward.
Somalia election dispute centres on presidential term
The disagreement centres on constitutional amendments extending presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration argues that these changes allow him to remain in office until May 2027.
By contrast, Farmaajo and other opposition figures maintain that Mohamud’s original mandate expired in May 2026. The competing interpretations underpin the political confrontation over the proposed election dates.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Farmaajo accused the administration of pursuing elections without agreement from key stakeholders. He also criticised the electoral commission, describing its decision as unilateral and its composition as one-sided.
The former president further alleged that the government had disregarded constitutional principles while seeking to consolidate power. Those allegations represent the opposition’s position in the continuing dispute.
Farmaajo calls for dialogue and mediation
Farmaajo warned that proceeding without consensus could lead to competing electoral processes and deepen instability. He argued that no single political actor should determine Somalia’s future through unilateral decisions.
Instead, he called for an agreement on free and fair elections involving the country’s political stakeholders. His appeal included former national leaders, senior officials and heads of federal member states.
He also urged international partners to continue mediation efforts and support a negotiated resolution. Farmaajo, who served as president from 2017 to 2022, said an agreement would help safeguard the country’s future.
Government defends direct-election framework
Meanwhile, the administration has defended the electoral framework as part of its transition towards direct elections. Under that approach, citizens would directly choose their representatives.
Critics, however, argue that the transition requires wider political agreement before the country proceeds. The electoral disagreement comes amid broader tensions over constitutional changes between the federal government and opposition groups.
The government says it remains open to negotiations while continuing preparations for the scheduled polls. It maintains that dialogue and election planning can advance together, while Farmaajo continues to press for an inclusive agreement.
