Somalis took part in popular polls for the last time more than fifty years ago. In the 1960s, the country enjoyed multi-party democracy before that changed in 1969 following a coup d’état.
During the next 22 years, the country experienced decade-long conflicts. The military rule that followed also made it impossible to carry out any meaningful elections.
That is all set to change in 2020 when the country holds the first popular polls. For the first time in decades, the elections will be open to all Somalis.
Other than that, seats occupied by women legislators will increase to 30 percent. Currently, they hold 24 percent of all elective posts in the country.
For decades, the biggest clans have taken almost all political seats. However, the 2020 elections should see that changing, as minority clans find their space too.