Danta Dalka iyo Dadka Soomaaliyeed.
24/01/2025
Concerns Over the Impartiality and Legitimacy of Somalia’s Election Committee
The election committee recently appointed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has raised significant concerns regarding its credibility and neutrality. Reports reveal that the critical responsibilities for the “one person, one vote” election have been outsourced to Nova Tech, a company allegedly owned by two Members of Parliament, Beereey and Saabir, both members of the president’s Damul Jadiid party. Moreover, the committee’s offices were furnished by a businesswoman who is the wife of MP Saabir, and the premises are hosted in a hotel located in the Halane compound, owned by a businessman named Cabdinaasir Cali Adoon, who is closely associated with the president and known to manage his financial interests.
The formation of this committee has faced widespread opposition from various stakeholders, including the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland, political parties, former national leaders, and the general public, who view it as a partisan body under the president’s direct influence. The international community has also withheld its endorsement, citing the committee’s lack of transparency, credibility, and consensus.
Additionally, reports suggest that public assets may be sold to fund the committee’s operations, further raising concerns about financial mismanagement and misuse of national resources. These issues cast doubt on the committee’s impartiality and its ability to oversee free, fair, and inclusive elections in Somalia, as it appears deeply intertwined with the personal and political interests of the president and his allies.
