MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – A prominent Somali opposition figure has cast serious doubt on the feasibility of holding a nationwide election, citing deteriorating security conditions and the limited territorial control of the federal government.
Mohamed Adan Kofi, the former director of Somalia’s National Immigration Agency, said on Tuesday that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is unable to visit his own hometown and constituency, which remains under the control of Al-Shabaab militants. Kofi argued that if the head of state himself cannot access his electoral base, the notion of holding a universal suffrage election is unrealistic.
“Many top government officials pushing for this election – including the ministers of interior and justice, and the deputy prime minister – also cannot visit their home constituencies,” Kofi said. “Yet they are adamant about conducting a vote for which neither the location nor the logistics are clear.”
His remarks come amid growing political tensions in Somalia, where the federal government is facing increasing opposition. Critics argue that the federal government’s authority barely extends beyond the capital, Mogadishu, and parts of the surrounding regions, while large swathes of the country remain under the control of Al-Shabaab, Somaliland authorities, or semi-autonomous states.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently criticised the president’s election model, describing it as “one-person, one-gun.” He alleged that residents in Mogadishu were being coerced into registering for the vote, with armed personnel reportedly forcing people out of vehicles and even stopping patients en route to hospitals.
The comments come after five rounds of failed talks between the government and opposition leaders over the electoral process. President Mohamud insists on conducting a direct, one-person, one-vote election, despite fierce opposition. The opposition is instead calling for a return to an indirect electoral model and the reversal of recent constitutional amendments passed by parliament.
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