Former Somali President Farmaajo Rejects Proposed Electoral Process

Farmaajo said the process he described as a form of self-selection could threaten Somalia’s statehood and political future, potentially leading to parallel elections and armed conflict. He argued that the country’s political future should not be determined through a unilateral process or according to the interests of particular individuals.

The former president also accused Hassan Sheikh of seeking to hold elections without an agreement involving Somalia’s federal member states and political opposition groups. Farmaajo described the move as contrary to the constitution and the principles of political consultation.

He further argued that previous disputes involving federal member states had contributed to conflict, warning that a lack of political agreement over the electoral process could produce similar tensions.

“The self-selection process adopted by the president whose term is coming to an end threatens statehood and the future of the country, and it will lead to parallel elections and civil wars spreading across the country,” Farmaajo said.

Farmaajo’s comments come amid continuing political disagreements in Somalia over the constitutional framework and the electoral arrangements for the country’s next elections.