Tuesday January 21, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party, led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has expressed support for the newly announced registration process for political organizations despite opposition from leaders in Puntland and Jubbaland states.
In a statement released Monday, the UPD, a provisionally registered party, affirmed its commitment to meeting the requirements outlined in Somalia’s Law on Political Organizations and Parties. The party emphasized that the development of a multi-party democratic system is essential for resolving the country’s political challenges.
“The solution to our country’s political problems lies partly in the implementation of a multi-party democratic system,” the UPD stated, adding that such a system would empower Somali citizens, particularly the younger generation, to freely elect their leaders and representatives across various levels of government.
The National Electoral Commission and Boundaries announced Monday that registration for political organizations would run from January 20 to March 31 in preparation for Somalia’s upcoming one-person, one-vote election.
The announcement has drawn criticism from Puntland and Jubbaland, where leaders have opposed the Federal Government’s handling of the election process, arguing that it lacks inclusivity and undermines political consensus.
