Political talks underway in Mogadishu have made significant progress, with the Federal Government of Somalia and two opposition factions reportedly agreeing on the introduction of direct elections based on a multiparty political system.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the parties have also agreed that the National Federal Electoral Commission should oversee the electoral process under a legal framework designed to facilitate one-person, one-vote elections.
However, the Future Forum has maintained a different position from that adopted by the Federal Government and the two opposition groups.
The forum has proposed what it describes as a “personalized election” model and called for the establishment of a two-tier electoral commission jointly managed by the Federal Government and the Federal Member States.
Sources close to the talks said the remaining issues under discussion—including the number of polling stations, mechanisms for safeguarding the 4.5 power-sharing formula, and other technical aspects of the electoral process—are not expected to pose major obstacles to reaching a final agreement. They said consensus on these matters could be achieved relatively easily.
The ongoing negotiations are part of broader efforts to establish an electoral framework that commands broad political support as Somalia prepares to make key decisions on the future of its democratic transition and electoral system.
Although differences remain over the composition of the electoral commission and the administration of the polls, information emerging from the talks suggests that most political stakeholders agree on the importance of transitioning to direct elections conducted under a multiparty system.
