Somali Youth Voices for Direct Elections

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, the Jazeera Hotel played host to a remarkable gathering – the Somali Youth Conference. Organized by the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs, this event aimed to amplify the voices of Somali youth in the nation’s march towards direct elections.
Hundreds of young Somalis from across Mogadishu and its districts, as well as representatives from regional states and the Banadir Regional Administration, converged to participate in this pivotal discussion. The conference served as a platform for these vibrant voices to express their aspirations and contribute to the realization of a direct one-person, one-vote electoral system, as envisioned by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Among the anticipated attendees were government ministers, members of parliament from both houses, intellectuals from various sectors of society, and representatives from regional administrations. Their presence underscored the significance of engaging the youth in shaping Somalia’s democratic future.
The conference agenda was centered around empowering the youth to actively participate in the upcoming direct elections. Speakers were expected to deliver insightful addresses on the crucial role the Somali youth could play in steering the nation towards this democratic milestone.
With over 60% of Somalia’s population comprised of youth, their participation and support are paramount to the success of direct elections. This demographic represents a formidable force, eager to contribute to the country’s democratic transition.
National media outlets in Somalia were on hand to broadcast the proceedings, ensuring that the discussions, debates, and speeches reached a wider audience, further amplifying the voices of the nation’s youth.
As the conference unfolded, it became evident that the Somali youth were not merely bystanders but active agents of change, determined to shape the course of their nation’s political landscape.