Doogsan Media | Mogadishu | 30 August 2025
The Somali Salvation Forum, a new opposition bloc, has rejected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s election law, the new party system, and the electoral commission. The Forum said the measures aim to extend the president’s time in office.
In a statement on Sunday the Forum said the changes were pushed without broad agreement. They argued the law centralizes power and weakens the electoral body. They said tighter party rules will limit political competition.
The Forum clearly rejected the new election law, the party system, and the electoral commission presented by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Last week, former members of the Forum led by former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid reached an agreement with the president on the points the Forum now rejects. The Forum described the new law and procedures as a political plan designed to extend the presidential term. It said it will not accept any extension beyond May 15, 2026, the constitutional election date.
The Forum stressed the constitutional date for the end of the president’s term is May 15, 2026. It said it will not accept any delay or extension. The group warned that any attempt to push the date back would spark a political crisis.
The government says the law is part of a move toward one-person, one-vote elections. Supporters call it reform. Critics say the timing and process are problematic. They insist major reforms need wide national talks, not unilateral moves.
This dispute comes at a sensitive time. Somalia still fights Al-Shabaab. The economy is fragile. Political instability would add strain to public services and aid delivery.
The Forum urged parliament, federal member states, and international partners to act. It called for a transparent process and checks on executive power. The group framed the new law as a test for Somalia’s democratic path.
With less than a year to the constitutional deadline, the debate is set to deepen. Whether the government builds consensus or moves ahead alone will shape Somalia’s politics before 2026.