Is Somalia facing an election crisis – or a much deeper political crisis?
In this exclusive interview, former Somali Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdul-Zak Mahmoud shares his perspective on the country’s political future, constitutional disputes, federalism, and the challenges surrounding Somalia’s upcoming elections.
The discussion explores why Somalia’s political tensions extend far beyond the ballot box, examining constitutional amendments, power-sharing arrangements, federal-state relations, and the growing divide between the federal government and regional administrations. Mahmoud also reflects on his experience in government, the lessons from previous elections, and what it will take to build democratic institutions that can withstand political pressure.
In this interview, we discuss:
- Somalia’s evolving political crisis
- Constitutional amendments and presidential term disputes
- One-person-one-vote vs. indirect elections
- The role of Puntland, Jubaland, and federal member states
- The Somali Future Council and opposition politics
- Citizen participation in democracy
- The future of Somalia’s democratic institutions
- What lies ahead for Somalia’s next election
Whether you’re interested in African politics, governance, constitutional law, or the Horn of Africa, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of the region’s most important political moments.
