From Gridlock to Governance: Addressing Somalia’s Constitutional and Electoral Challenges
Somalia’s long-elusive goal of building a stable federal system and holding inclusive elections faces yet another setback. At the heart of these recurring challenges lies an unresolved and incomplete constitutional framework that consistently sparks political friction. While this framework undoubtedly contributes to governance challenges, it obscures a deeper and more persistent problem: a political culture that prioritizes term extensions, electoral manipulation, and last-minute improvisation over institutional development and democratic norms. These persistent disputes erode the legitimacy and effective functioning of the federal system. This commentary examines how the failure to complete the 2012 Provisional Constitution, coupled with contested amendments, has fueled Somalia’s current election-triggered crisis. It argues that a return to constitutionalism — grounded in the principles of co-governance and consensus — must be the starting point for overcoming the unfolding political and constitutional impasse. Genuine negotiation that results in meaningful conciliation is essential to ensuring the country’s long-term stability.
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Hindisayaashii muddada dheer lagu taamayay iyo himilooyinkii Soomaaliya ee ahaa dhisidda dowlad faderaal ah oo xasiloon iyo qabashada doorashooyin loo dhan yahay, waxa ku yimid dibudhac kale. Caqabadahan oo ah kuwo soo noqnoqday waxa xuddun u ah madmodowga iyo qabyada ku jirta dastuurka Soomaaliya, taas oo keentay khilaaf siyaasadeed oo joogto ah. Inkasta oo ay markhaati maddoon tahay in uu qaabdhismeedka dastuurku ka qaybqaatay caqabadaha dowladda, haddana waxa kale oo ku lammaan madmadow qotodheer iyo dhibaatooyin joogto ah oo ay ka mid yihiin: dhaqan siyaasadeed oo waxkasta ka doorbida muddo kororsi, doorasho musuqmaasuq ah iyo horumarinta hay’adaha iyo xeerarka dimuqraadiyadda oo xilli aan waxba laga qaban karin la haabhaabto. Khilaafaadkan joogtada ahi waxa ay curyaamiyeen sharcinimada iyo habsami u socodka nidaamka faderaalka.