MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced plans to implement one-person-one-vote elections, describing the initiative as crucial for the country’s future, in a speech following Friday prayers at the Presidential Mosque.
Mohamud sharply criticized Ahmed Madobe, the president of the semi-autonomous Jubbaland region, accusing him of maintaining power for 13 years through undemocratic means. He said Madobe had promised democratic elections but had instead orchestrated indirect voting that excluded many from participating.
The Somali president also highlighted Madobe’s failure to extend control beyond Kismayo, the regional capital, and to free conflict zones within Jubbaland.
Calling for national unity, Mohamud urged citizens to gear up for a transparent electoral process, saying, “We are ready to work with everyone to make one-person-one-vote a reality.”
In his closing remarks, Mohamud stressed that Somalia’s progress would not be stalled by individual power grabs, committing to promote unity, equity, and comprehensive national development.
