Somalië
On March 5, 2026, Somalia's parliament approved a constitutional amendment extending the terms of the president and lawmakers from four to five years, effectively delaying the upcoming elections by one year. The decision was made during a joint session of both chambers, with 222 out of 329 lawmakers voting in favor of the amendment.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic milestone in the country's long constitutional process. He stated, "Today is a historic day for it is the official completion of the constitution which had dragged for a long period."
The amendment has been met with criticism from opposition party leaders, including former presidents and prime ministers, who rejected the change and called for elections to be held as originally planned. They argue that the extension undermines democratic principles and could lead to political instability.
Somalia has faced decades of conflict and political fragmentation, and the extension of terms is seen by some as a means to provide stability and continuity in governance. However, others fear it may set a precedent for future extensions and erode public trust in the democratic process.
The international community has expressed concern over the amendment, urging Somali leaders to ensure that any changes to the electoral process are made through inclusive dialogue and consensus-building to maintain peace and stability in the region.
As the country moves forward, it remains to be seen how this constitutional change will impact Somalia's political landscape and its efforts toward democratic governance.
