Sunday 22 Feb 2026 {HMC} High-level talks between Somalia’s federal government and the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council resumed Sunday at Villa Somalia, amid continuing disagreements over the country’s electoral direction.
The meeting is part of an ongoing consultative conference launched last week to resolve disputes over elections and constitutional reform, as the government’s term nears its final months.
Sources familiar with the discussions say the Future Council has presented four key proposals it considers essential to shaping the political and electoral roadmap.
Regional Elections Dispute
The first issue centers on elections in three federal member states, namely Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Southwest. The opposition is advocating for indirect elections similar to those recently conducted in Puntland and Jubbaland.
President Hassan Sheikh, however, is said to favor advancing toward a one-person, one-vote system, under which citizens would directly elect their representatives. He has repeatedly signaled opposition to reverting to a fully indirect model.
National Electoral Framework
The second point involves agreement on the broader national electoral model. Opposition leaders propose returning to the indirect system used in previous cycles but expanding the number of delegates to enhance transparency and reduce allegations of manipulation.
The president’s camp argues that Somalia must move forward with preparations for direct elections, describing them as a cornerstone of democratic reform.
Constitutional Review
The third issue concerns the 2012 Provisional Constitution. The Future Council is calling for the protection and full implementation of the original framework, along with a review of recent amendments currently under parliamentary debate.
While President Hassan Sheikh has defended the constitutional review process as necessary for state consolidation, he has also indicated willingness to negotiate on certain provisions.
Electoral Commission
The fourth proposal calls for the establishment of an independent and credible electoral commission to administer any agreed electoral process. The opposition maintains that trust in the management body will be critical to preventing political instability.
The resumed talks reflect deep but ongoing engagement between the two sides. The Somali Future Council which includes leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland has warned against unilateral decisions, arguing that a negotiated settlement is essential to avoid a constitutional vacuum.
Negotiations remain underway, with both sides facing pressure to reach consensus before the expiration of current constitutional mandates.
Source Hiiraan Online
