Somalia's parliament on Saturday passed a bill introducing universal suffrage, replacing the decades-old clan-based voting system with a one-person-one-vote framework. The bill, which received overwhelming support with 169 lawmakers in favor, two against, and one abstention, marks a historic transition for the East African nation. It replaces the complex indirect electoral system where clan delegates selected parliament members, who then chose the president. Under the new system, the president will be elected directly by the populace, with the next presidential election scheduled for 2026. The reforms also introduce a multi-party system, limiting participation to three political parties. Despite opposition from Puntland and Jubaland states, as well as criticism from former presidents, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in late October that political parties had reached an agreement on the framework for universal suffrage. Mohamud, elected by lawmakers in 2022, has championed the shift as a step toward strengthening democracy in Somalia. — Agencies
