Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-In a decisive address to Somalia’s bicameral parliament, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on lawmakers to forego their scheduled leave and focus on solidifying the framework for direct national elections.

Stressing the critical importance of electoral reform, the President urged parliamentarians to complete the constitutional work on chapters 5 through 9 and finalize bills to establish a national election commission and party structures essential for a one-person, one-vote election.

“Nobody wants a return to indirect elections; it’s time we prepare for direct elections,” President Hassan asserted, addressing concerns from some political figures skeptical about this transition. Acknowledging the challenges, he stated,

“Not all 20 million Somalis may vote in these elections, but ensuring that we hold direct elections is paramount for our democracy.”

President Hassan’s address comes as the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting recently concluded without consensus due to the absence of Puntland and Jubaland leaders. The President expressed the urgency of the electoral work, highlighting it as essential for national stability.

Alongside his appeal for electoral focus, the President addressed regional tensions with Ethiopia, condemning recent actions he described as violations of Somalia’s sovereignty.

He further rejected claims suggesting Al-Shabaab’s strength requires Ethiopian military presence in Somalia, calling it an exaggerated threat to Somalia’s self-sufficiency.

Concluding his address, President Hassan appealed for peace in the SSC-Khaatumo region amid fresh clashes and reaffirmed the importance of advancing Somalia’s security and democratic progress. In response, parliament members agreed to continue working through November to advance Somalia’s electoral legislation and constitutional reforms.