The Brief No. 24
15 May 2022
Today the parliament of Somalia will elect the next president. The initial plan was to have one man one vote however due to security concerns members of parliament will elect the president.
Members of parliament are selected by clan elders.
There are over 39 candidates standing for elections. Amongst them are the incumbent President Mohamed Abdulahi Fermajo, former President Sheik Ahmed Sharif and Former President Hassan Sheik Mohamud .
Money and tribal alliances are playing an important role in this election.
Importantly, because the parliament is tribally polirised, it is almost certain that future politics will favour the biggest tribes.
Second, clan representatives will form a cabinet. This will ultimately translate into smaller tribes not receiving essential services.
Finally, although these elections are deemed important; Al Shabbab, the radical group accused of kidnappings and hijackings of large ships along the coast of Somalia, controls large part of the country.
Government only controls the capital Mogadishu and nothing beyond.
Afrasid is available for analysis and commentary.