MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s bicameral parliament has taken a significant step toward direct elections by approving the creation of the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) in a joint session held in Mogadishu on Wednesday. The landmark decision was passed with overwhelming support, as 169 of the 175 lawmakers voted in favor, while only six opposed the motion, with no abstentions.
The approval follows the earlier endorsement of the commission by Somalia’s Council of Ministers, marking a critical move toward the country’s first direct elections in over 50 years. The newly formed 18-member commission will be tasked with overseeing elections at all levels of government and implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral system, replacing the traditional clan-based electoral model.
This reform is a key part of Somalia’s broader efforts to transition to a more inclusive political system based on universal suffrage. Local council elections are scheduled for June 2025, with federal parliamentary and presidential elections expected in September of the same year.
The passage of the electoral commission bill follows the recent approval of a new electoral law by Somali lawmakers, establishing a legal framework for direct voting and further cementing the nation’s commitment to democratic governance.
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