One Person, One Vote in Somalia: A Sound Principle, Flawed Execution
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27 February 2025 20:18
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MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia's push for a "one person, one vote" (1P1V) electoral system is an ambitious step toward realizing a more inclusive and democratic future.
On paper, it represents the realization of a long-held aspiration among Somalis for fair representation and a political system where power lies with the people, not just the elites or powerful factions.
Yet, the true nature of this reform is more nuanced, with political maneuvering, inadequate preparation, and the lack of institutional readiness posing serious risks to the future of Somali democracy.
A Step Toward Political Inclusivity
The call for universal suffrage, where every eligible Somali citizen would have the right to vote for their leaders, has been a central goal for the country’s political reformers for years.
This principle is grounded in the belief that democracy should be built on the foundation of equal rights for all citizens.
In theory, this is a monumental achievement: enabling the people of Somalia to choose their representatives, legislators, and executive leaders directly. It promises to end the practice of elite manipulation and clan-based power grabs that have so often left Somalia’s citizens disenfranchised.
For the first time in decades, the average Somali could participate in the democratic process in a way that is free from coercion or clan dominance. This is undeniably an important goal for the country's political evolution.
The Political Realities Behind the Move
However, while the move toward 1P1V may seem to align with democratic values, it cannot be separated from the reality of Somalia’s deeply fractured political system.
The political environment in Somalia remains fragile, and the move to direct elections comes with significant risks. Somalia’s political elite has a long history of using political transitions for personal or group benefit rather than for the advancement of a genuine democratic system.
The call for 1P1V is not solely driven by the desire for more inclusive governance. It also reflects the ongoing power struggles between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the regional states, as well as the tension between traditional clan-based structures and modern political ideals.
The new electoral model could become a tool for entrenched leaders to consolidate power while creating the illusion of reform. As such, the transition to universal suffrage may end up being a political tactic rather than a genuine democratic overhaul.
Institutional and Logistical Challenges
Somalia has faced decades of war, instability, and the disintegration of state institutions, and the country’s electoral infrastructure remains woefully underdeveloped.
While the aspiration for 1P1V is laudable, implementing such a system requires strong institutions, transparent electoral processes, and the logistical capacity to run free and fair elections across a vast and diverse country.
Unfortunately, Somalia’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle such a complex and far-reaching electoral system at present. The country faces numerous challenges in holding elections that could be trusted by both the people and the international community.
The lack of security in many regions, compounded by threats from terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabaab, makes the logistics of nationwide elections even more daunting. Ensuring the safety of voters and election officials, especially in volatile areas, would require significant resources and coordination.
Clan Divisions and the Risk of Elite Manipulation
Another key issue that must be addressed is Somalia’s longstanding clan-based politics. Despite efforts to move toward a more inclusive political system, clan loyalty continues to hold a significant place in Somali political culture.
Political parties, candidates, and even voters often align along clan lines, which undermines the core democratic principle of equal representation. This continued reliance on clan politics could skew the results of any direct election process, ensuring that those with the most clan-based power are the ones who maintain control.
Moreover, the current political elite may be able to manipulate the new electoral system to maintain their power.
The decision to move forward with 1P1V may simply be a move to legitimize an existing power structure rather than break from the old ways. In the absence of a fundamental cultural and institutional shift away from clan-based politics, the promise of a free and fair election system may remain a hollow one.
Voter Education and Participation
The government and civil society would need to launch comprehensive voter education campaigns that reach every corner of the country to ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Without such efforts, a 1P1V system risks exacerbating political ignorance and making the electoral process vulnerable to manipulation by those who have the resources to control public opinion.
The Danger of Unfulfilled Promises
At its core, Somalia’s move to 1P1V elections is not inherently flawed; rather, the problem lies in how it is being implemented. Without a clear, transparent, and fair process, this reform risks becoming another false promise that fails to deliver real political change.
The government must invest in building the institutions, electoral infrastructure, and political culture necessary to support such a fundamental shift.
The intention behind 1P1V should be to empower the Somali people and foster a sense of ownership over the political process, not to simply shore up the power of the political elite.
In conclusion, while the concept of "one person, one vote" is a step toward greater democracy in Somalia, it is crucial to recognize that its successful implementation depends on more than just the adoption of a new electoral system.
The political will to create a true democracy must be backed by structural reforms, institutional capacity building, and genuine commitment to inclusivity.
On paper, it represents the realization of a long-held aspiration among Somalis for fair representation and a political system where power lies with the people, not just the elites or powerful factions.
Yet, the true nature of this reform is more nuanced, with political maneuvering, inadequate preparation, and the lack of institutional readiness posing serious risks to the future of Somali democracy.
A Step Toward Political Inclusivity
The call for universal suffrage, where every eligible Somali citizen would have the right to vote for their leaders, has been a central goal for the country’s political reformers for years.
This principle is grounded in the belief that democracy should be built on the foundation of equal rights for all citizens.
Given the history of clan-based politics and a long-standing reliance on an indirect election system — where clan elders select representatives — the notion of one person, one vote represents a substantial shift toward democratic ideals.
If fully realized, it would mark a historic transition in the country’s political landscape, allowing ordinary citizens to have a say in the leadership of their country.
In theory, this is a monumental achievement: enabling the people of Somalia to choose their representatives, legislators, and executive leaders directly. It promises to end the practice of elite manipulation and clan-based power grabs that have so often left Somalia’s citizens disenfranchised.
For the first time in decades, the average Somali could participate in the democratic process in a way that is free from coercion or clan dominance. This is undeniably an important goal for the country's political evolution.
The Political Realities Behind the Move
However, while the move toward 1P1V may seem to align with democratic values, it cannot be separated from the reality of Somalia’s deeply fractured political system.
The political environment in Somalia remains fragile, and the move to direct elections comes with significant risks. Somalia’s political elite has a long history of using political transitions for personal or group benefit rather than for the advancement of a genuine democratic system.
The call for 1P1V is not solely driven by the desire for more inclusive governance. It also reflects the ongoing power struggles between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the regional states, as well as the tension between traditional clan-based structures and modern political ideals.
The new electoral model could become a tool for entrenched leaders to consolidate power while creating the illusion of reform. As such, the transition to universal suffrage may end up being a political tactic rather than a genuine democratic overhaul.
Institutional and Logistical Challenges
Somalia has faced decades of war, instability, and the disintegration of state institutions, and the country’s electoral infrastructure remains woefully underdeveloped.
While the aspiration for 1P1V is laudable, implementing such a system requires strong institutions, transparent electoral processes, and the logistical capacity to run free and fair elections across a vast and diverse country.
Unfortunately, Somalia’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle such a complex and far-reaching electoral system at present. The country faces numerous challenges in holding elections that could be trusted by both the people and the international community.
The lack of security in many regions, compounded by threats from terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabaab, makes the logistics of nationwide elections even more daunting. Ensuring the safety of voters and election officials, especially in volatile areas, would require significant resources and coordination.
The Somali government would need to invest in the creation of a comprehensive electoral system—one that includes voter registration, ballot access, election monitoring, and post-election dispute resolution—before it can even begin to approach the level of legitimacy that universal suffrage demands.
Additionally, the Somali government’s reliance on foreign aid and assistance further complicates matters.
Given the financial strain on the state, it remains uncertain whether Somalia has the necessary funds to organize an election of this scale.
If external donors or foreign governments have too much influence over the election process, it could raise questions about the sovereignty of Somali democracy and invite accusations of foreign meddling.
Clan Divisions and the Risk of Elite Manipulation
Another key issue that must be addressed is Somalia’s longstanding clan-based politics. Despite efforts to move toward a more inclusive political system, clan loyalty continues to hold a significant place in Somali political culture.
Political parties, candidates, and even voters often align along clan lines, which undermines the core democratic principle of equal representation. This continued reliance on clan politics could skew the results of any direct election process, ensuring that those with the most clan-based power are the ones who maintain control.
Moreover, the current political elite may be able to manipulate the new electoral system to maintain their power.
The decision to move forward with 1P1V may simply be a move to legitimize an existing power structure rather than break from the old ways. In the absence of a fundamental cultural and institutional shift away from clan-based politics, the promise of a free and fair election system may remain a hollow one.
Voter Education and Participation
An essential aspect of any functioning democracy is an informed electorate. Somalia, however, suffers from significant gaps in education, with large portions of the population, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas, lacking the necessary knowledge to make informed electoral choices.
In addition, many voters have been disconnected from formal political processes for so long that it may be difficult for them to fully understand how to participate in and benefit from an election.
The government and civil society would need to launch comprehensive voter education campaigns that reach every corner of the country to ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Without such efforts, a 1P1V system risks exacerbating political ignorance and making the electoral process vulnerable to manipulation by those who have the resources to control public opinion.
The Danger of Unfulfilled Promises
At its core, Somalia’s move to 1P1V elections is not inherently flawed; rather, the problem lies in how it is being implemented. Without a clear, transparent, and fair process, this reform risks becoming another false promise that fails to deliver real political change.
The government must invest in building the institutions, electoral infrastructure, and political culture necessary to support such a fundamental shift.
The intention behind 1P1V should be to empower the Somali people and foster a sense of ownership over the political process, not to simply shore up the power of the political elite.
In conclusion, while the concept of "one person, one vote" is a step toward greater democracy in Somalia, it is crucial to recognize that its successful implementation depends on more than just the adoption of a new electoral system.
The political will to create a true democracy must be backed by structural reforms, institutional capacity building, and genuine commitment to inclusivity.
Somalia’s leaders must ensure that this move does not merely serve the interests of the few but truly benefits the people. If done right, it could lay the groundwork for a stronger, more democratic Somalia; if done wrong, it could reinforce the status quo and deepen the country’s divisions.
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Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed, Foreign Policy Journalist and Communication Specialist 
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One Person, One Vote in Somalia: A Sound Principle, Flawed Execution
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia's push for a "one person, one vote" (1P1V) electoral system is an ambitious step toward realizing a more inclusive and democratic future.