Opposition Alliance Unveils New Electoral Model Amid Somalia Election Dispute

In a statement released on June 20, the council announced what it called a "Transitional Direct Elections Model," describing the initiative as an effort to reconcile citizens' aspirations for direct elections with the need to maintain Somalia's existing power-sharing arrangements during a transition period. The council said the proposal is intended to serve as a political compromise capable of bridging divisions over the electoral process and creating conditions for an inclusive and broadly accepted election. The alliance also urged Somali political stakeholders to engage in comprehensive dialogue to reach consensus on the country's electoral future. It called on the Federal Government to suspend the electoral process currently underway until an agreed framework is established. According to the statement, additional details regarding the proposed model, including its guiding principles and implementation mechanisms, will be presented during future discussions aimed at addressing political and electoral disagreements. The proposal comes amid continuing debates among Somalia's political leaders over the structure and timing of national elections, with calls growing for a negotiated solution to ensure political stability and broad participation in the electoral process.