Mogadishu – Somalia’s opposition bloc, led by prominent presidential hopefuls for the upcoming 2026 elections, has officially launched a series of consultations in Mogadishu on Friday.
The talks are aimed at building consensus around the country’s electoral process, which remains a key point of contention ahead of the polls.
The opening session of the consultations was attended by leading political figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and ex-Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke.
These influential leaders, all expected to vie for the presidency in 2026, emphasized the need for a credible and inclusive electoral framework.
“The people of Somalia deserve a transparent and widely accepted electoral process. We are here to listen, discuss, and ensure our democracy moves forward,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed during the opening remarks.
The initiative comes amid growing public interest in the direction of the country’s politics, especially as federal and regional institutions continue to debate election timelines and the structure of the vote—whether it will follow a one-person, one-vote model or a clan-based indirect system.
Sources close to the opposition camp indicate that the consultations will culminate in the unveiling of a unified political platform next week, which is expected to outline shared principles on governance, federalism, and election reform.
The opposition’s move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate influence and present a cohesive front against the incumbent administration in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
Political analysts suggest that this rare show of unity among presidential contenders could shape the national discourse and pressure the federal government to prioritize electoral reforms.
The consultations are expected to continue through the weekend with civil society representatives, youth leaders, and regional stakeholders also scheduled to participate.