A crucial meeting was held in Mogadishu, Somalia, where various stakeholders gathered to discuss the roadmap for establishing a transparent and inclusive electoral system in the country. The event was organized by the Parliamentary Committee tasked with drafting electoral laws and was chaired by MP Mahdi Mohamed Guleid.
The participants included representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, people with disabilities, youth groups, and experts. The aim was to solicit diverse perspectives and recommendations to ensure the upcoming elections are free, fair, and reflect the will of the Somali people.
MP Mahdi Mohamed Guleid opened the meeting, emphasizing the importance of listening to all voices and incorporating their input into the committee’s work. He assured the participants that their views and suggestions would be carefully considered and integrated into the electoral framework.
During the discussions, several key issues were raised, including the need for a robust security plan, a comprehensive voter registration process, an independent electoral commission, and adherence to the rule of law and the constitution. Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of youth, women, and marginalized groups in the electoral process.
One participant, a person with a disability, highlighted the need for accessibility measures to enable equal participation in voting. He proposed four key conditions for credible elections: security, a legitimate constitution, accurate voter registration, and the dismantling of existing obstacles.
The committee chair, MP Mahdi Mohamed Guleid, concluded the meeting by acknowledging the valuable contributions made by the participants. He assured them that all perspectives shared would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the committee’s work, where relevant, to strengthen the electoral framework and ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
The meeting demonstrated Somalia’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to democratic elections, where all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the country’s future.
