President Hassan Sheikh Mahamuud meets opposition at Villa Somalia to discuss Somalia’s electoral roadmap.

A high-level meeting between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Future Council opened today at Villa Somalia, with President Hassan Sheikh Maxamuud presiding over the discussions.

Sources indicate that the Future Council presented the President with four key points they consider essential for the country’s political direction and upcoming elections.

The first point concerns holding elections in the three federal member states of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State. The opposition advocates for indirect elections similar to those previously conducted in Puntland and Jubaland. The President, however, reportedly favors a one-person, one-vote system, allowing citizens to directly elect their representatives, rejecting a return to indirect elections.

The second point focuses on reaching agreement on the type of national election to adopt. While the opposition suggests reviving the earlier indirect system, they propose expanding the number of delegates to ensure transparency and avoid accusations of “selected” elections.

The third point concerns adherence to and enforcement of the Provisional Constitution of 2012, with the opposition calling for a review of recent amendments. President Maxamuud has defended the ongoing constitutional review process but expressed willingness to discuss specific points raised by the opposition.

The fourth point involves the creation of an independent and trusted election commission to oversee the agreed electoral process.

The meeting highlights ongoing political differences between the Federal Government and opposition groups. Negotiations continue as both sides seek to reach a consensus on the country’s electoral roadmap.