MOGADISHU — Somalia Non-State Actors (SONSA) has proposed a transitional electoral framework aimed at helping resolve the political deadlock over the country’s electoral process.
The civil society network said the proposal followed consultations with political stakeholders and community leaders to find common ground between the Federal Government and opposition groups.
Under the proposed Transitional Constituency-Based Multiparty Electoral Model, voters would directly elect members of the House of the People from agreed constituencies, with candidates contesting through registered political parties while citizens vote for individual candidates.
SONSA also called for temporary safeguards to ensure inclusive representation, stronger participation by federal member states in managing elections, an independent mechanism to resolve electoral disputes and transparent procedures for voter registration, voting, vote counting and the announcement of results.
The proposal emphasizes protections for women, marginalized communities and persons with disabilities, while preserving inclusive representation during the transitional period.
The organization urged both domestic and international election observation and stressed that any electoral system must be based on broad political consensus and public confidence to be considered credible and legitimate.
The proposal comes as a second round of Turkish-mediated talks continues in Mogadishu, where the Federal Government and opposition groups are seeking agreement on Somalia’s electoral model and disputed constitutional amendments. No consensus has yet been reached.
