Strengthening Electoral Institutions for Sustainable Democracy in Somalia

Abstract

Somalia’s democratic development has been hindered by decades of conflict, political instability, and weak governance structures. Nevertheless, the country has achieved notable milestones, including peaceful transfers of power and the establishment of foundational electoral institutions. This report analyzes the main challenges confronting Somalia’s electoral system, such as limited institutional capacity, political interference, insecurity, low transparency, and the absence of a Hight Court and Constitutional Court to oversee electoral disputes. It highlights key reforms and initiatives, including the creation of the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), constitutional and electoral law reforms, local elections in Puntland, and ongoing voter registration campaigns in Mogadishu and Baydhaba. The study proposes strategic measures to strengthen electoral institutions, emphasizing capacity building, legal and institutional independence, transparency, civil society engagement, and judicial oversight. By implementing these strategies, Somalia can enhance the credibility of elections, foster inclusive political participation, and reinforce public trust in democratic processes. This study provides a policy-oriented roadmap for consolidating Somalia’s electoral framework and advancing long-term political stability and democratic governance.