Somalia government-opposition talks stall over election agenda dispute

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A high-level meeting between leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council was suspended on its second day after both sides failed to agree on key agenda priorities, officials and participants said.

The talks, aimed at easing political tensions and reaching a consensus on Somalia’s electoral direction, broke down over disagreements on which issues should take precedence in the discussions.

Government representatives are pushing to advance their plan for universal suffrage elections — a “one person, one vote” system — to be implemented from local councils up to the federal level. The proposal is part of a broader effort by the administration to shift away from Somalia’s long-standing clan-based indirect voting model.

However, opposition figures have rejected the plan's timeline and feasibility, arguing that the country lacks both the time and the necessary political agreement to implement such sweeping changes before the end of the current term.

Members of the opposition instead called for an alternative electoral framework, warning that forcing through an unagreed system could deepen political divisions and destabilize the fragile federal structure.

The deadlock highlights persistent disagreements between the two sides at a critical juncture, with Somalia facing mounting pressure to finalize an electoral model and avoid a constitutional crisis as deadlines approach.

Despite the suspension, sources from both camps indicated that informal consultations may continue, though no date has been set for resuming the formal talks.

GAROWE ONLINE