MOGADISHU–The Somali Federal Government officials, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held the second round of talks with members of the Somali Future Council at the Presidential Palace-Villa Somalia yesterday. However, the meeting ended without reaching an outcome in the afternoon. The two sides debated and discussed the amendment of the transitional constitution and the type of elections that will be held in the country. Specifically, they focused on the upcoming elections in three Federal Member States: Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest State, whose terms in office have expired. The main point of contention was the model of elections to be held in these states. According to reports, the Somali Future Council members warned President Mohamud that they would not accept a one-man, one-vote system similar to the election held in Banadir region on December 25, 2025. They argued that this model is one-sided and lacks transparency. During the meeting, reliable sources say that the Somali Future Council members pressured the president to allow for independent elections in these three states, with the National Election Commission not involved and the regional authorities following their own constitutions. After a lengthy meeting, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on the model of elections to be held in the country. President Mohamud reportedly insisted on a one-man, one-vote system, while opposition groups argued that this is not feasible given the president’s term ending this year. They proposed returning to indirect elections, which have been used in Somalia for the past 20 years, in order to avoid a constitutional vacuum. However, President Mohamud rejected this idea, stating that it would hinder the democratization process in Somalia. The opposition groups interpreted this as the president trying to extend his term in office and walked out of the Presidential Palace-Villa Somalia, where the meeting was taking place. The politicians who are members of the Somali Future Council were planning to hold a press conference to announce the collapse of talks with the Somali government, but President Mohamud contacted them and asked for a chance to continue discussions until Monday, which the members agreed to. It is unclear what will happen on Monday, but it seems that the opposition groups are giving President Mohamud more time to find a solution. He appears to be seeking a chance to continue talks.
