MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has warned that the country is edging into dangerous political uncertainty, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of stalling efforts to agree on the framework for the next national elections.
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Somali, Mr Ahmed said repeated attempts by opposition leaders to secure a roadmap for the vote had failed because, in his view, the president “had no intention of reaching an understanding”.
The government has said it is preparing the ground for the country’s first fully fledged one-person-one-vote poll. But Mr Ahmed argued there is little to suggest such an election is realistically being prepared. He said no essential legislation has been passed cleanly through parliament, no credible plan is in place to secure polling stations, and no broad political consensus has been sought in a nation still grappling with the legacy of civil conflict and clan-based power-sharing.
He accused the administration of pressing ahead unilaterally while the ruling party dominates campaigning in Mogadishu: “The obstruction came from the president,” he said. “We attended every meeting. The collapse of the talks was of his making.”
Mr Ahmed also criticised recent amendments to the provisional constitution, saying the changes touched on fundamental political principles – including provisions on a multi-party system – and were pushed through without inclusive consultation. He further alleged that the establishment of a new electoral commission had been carried out without cross-party agreement.
While stressing that opposition groups support the principle of universal suffrage, the former president said conditions for such a vote do not currently exist – and, in his view, the government has taken no credible steps to make them a reality.
Somalia is expected to face heightened political tensions in the coming months unless its leaders can agree on a clear and inclusive electoral pathway.
Contact us: info@somaliguardiam.com
