Somalia will hold by-elections for the two vacant seats in the Lower House of Parliament, on March 6 and March 8, 2025.
The by-elections are a significant step toward addressing the current gaps in parliamentary representation.
The vacancies arose due to the appointments of Saadaq Omar Hassan (Saadaq Joon) and Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow to key government positions, leaving their former seats (HOP#248 and HOP#049) open for contestation.
In addition to these two seats, three other parliamentary seats remain unfilled.
Abdullahi Sanbaloolshe’s seat became vacant after his appointment as Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), while the seats of Khadija Mohamed Diiriye and Seeseey remain empty following their passing.
This leaves a total of five seats in need of representation.
Lower House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madoobe has emphasized the urgency of filling these vacancies to ensure the full functioning of the legislature.
A complete and active parliament is critical for addressing Somalia’s ongoing political and security challenges, as well as for fostering national stability.
The by-elections are particularly important given the current context of Somalia’s political landscape, where a fully operational legislature is essential for advancing governance, security, and development initiatives.
The outcomes of these elections will play a key role in shaping the country’s ability to navigate its complex challenges and move toward greater stability and progress.