Somalia’s cabinet has approved a bill that is set to reintroduce universal suffrage for the first time in 55 years, marking the end of indirect voting in the nation.
Somalia’s indirect voting system was adapted in 1969, following a number of inconsistencies such as security concerns, clan-based politics, and political disputes within the nation’s administration
The news of the approved bill was announced by Somalian government official and spokesperson, Farhan Jimale.
The bill, if passed by parliament into law would allow all citizens of Somalia to vote directly in national elections and will migrate
from the tradition of clan elders selecting delegates to elect lawmakers, and in turn, the president.
The emergence of this bill passed into law will make President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the last leader elected indirectly in polls scheduled for 2026.