For many scholars, one-sided and contested elections are a fault line that can trigger violent conflict in societies recovering from civil war. In fact, elections produce legitimacy only when they are credible, and stakeholders agree on the electoral laws and the election commissioners.
In Somali politics, stakeholders reached a compromise before every successful electoral process (direct or indirect). For the Third Republic to survive, President @HassanSMohamud must halt unilateral elections and efforts to extend his term. Instead, he should seek a compromise with the opposition and the Federal Member States. Additionally, the opposition should avoid pursuing parallel processes. Genuine discussions about the 2026 transition must begin immediately.
The international community has led all previous political transitions in Somalia, and the 2026 transition cannot proceed without their support and leadership. Hopefully, they will pressure the Somali parties before it is too late.
For many scholars, one-sided and contested elections are a fault line that can trigger violent conflict in societies recovering from civil war. In fact, elections produce legitimacy only when they are credible, and stakeholders agree on the electoral laws and the election…
— Afyare A. Elmi (@afyare_elmi) December 16, 2025
