Mogadishu — A political standoff is deepening in Somalia after the Somali Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliyeed) issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the Federal Government’s approach to electoral reforms and constitutional amendments, warning that the current trajectory could lead to a “constitutional vacuum” and national division.
In a declaration published over the weekend, the Council outlined fundamental disagreements regarding the management of upcoming elections and the balance of power between the federal government and member states.
Core Disagreements on Elections and the Constitution
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the Federal Constitution, which currently distributes powers between the two levels of government.
According to the Council’s statement, the Federal Government is advocating for regional state elections to be conducted under an electoral law and procedures based on disputed constitutional amendments. The Council alleges that the government seeks to place regional elections under the authority of the federal electoral commission, warning that this mirrors the process used in the Banadir region last year, which the Council described as “vote stuffing.”
The statement further detailed conflicting views on the timeline for federal parliamentary elections. The Future Council proposed that a political agreement be reached by April 14th. This agreement, they argue, should establish a clear mechanism, schedule, and administration for parliamentary elections to ensure they are transparent, inclusive, and conducted within the remaining constitutional term.
In contrast, the Council claims the Federal Government wishes to limit any advisory body to offering recommendations without any decision-making authority over the electoral process.
Defending the Federal System
The Somali Future Council, which describes its primary responsibility as defending the constitution, framed the government’s stance as an attempt to centralize power in Mogadishu at the expense of the federal system.
“The Council has decided not to be a victim or sacrifice for a constitution being altered, a rigged election, and the division of the country,” the statement read. It affirmed its commitment to a “consensual, legitimate election” and accused the government of seeking to control the mechanisms, procedures, and outcomes of the vote.
Call for Dialogue and Concerns over Term Expiry
Despite the强硬 rhetoric, the Council expressed readiness for “genuine dialogue” to achieve a productive outcome. It stressed that any solution must involve regional states whose terms have expired holding elections consistent with their own constitutions and the federal framework.
A key demand is for the Federal Government to halt what the Council describes as “unilateral actions aimed at amending the constitution.”
Warning of a Power Vacuum
Concluding its statement, the Somali Future Council assured the public that it stands firm against the country falling into a constitutional vacuum. It called for national leadership willing to make compromises to preserve unity and respect the rule of law.
The disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and federal member states as Somalia navigates its complex political transition and prepares for future elections. The April 14th deadline proposed by the Council now looms as a potential inflection point in the standoff.
