Mogadishu – 25 December 2025: Despite overwhelming public rejection of today’s “bogus” Mogadishu local elections, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud proceeded to lock down the entire city and ordered government officials, civil servants, and members of the military and security forces to show up at polling stations as a condition to retaining presidential favor and remaining on the federal payroll. This conduct is characteristic of military dictatorships and autocratic regimes, not democratic governance.
Today’s events confirm a statement President Hassan made in 2024 to a group of intellectuals who met him at the Presidential Palace and urged him not to proceed with divisive elections that would jeopardize Somalia’s unity and political harmony. At the time, he bluntly declared that he would move forward with the election even if it were held in a single district—Wardhigley (Warta Nabadda), where Villa Somalia is located. Many were alarmed by this ominous statement, which directly contradicted the federal government’s stated commitment to inclusive politics and good governance.
That pledge has now materialized. Today’s Mogadishu local elections are embarrassing, divisive, coercive, and destructive, accelerating the erosion of Somalia’s already fragile democratic culture and responsible governance. What occurred today represents the most blatant and shamelessly fraudulent election in Somalia’s history, surpassing all previous experiences in fabrication, coercion, abuse of state power, corruption, mismanagement, and falsification of outcomes.
Key Lessons from the 25 December 2025 Bogus Election
First, the rule of law has collapsed.
This election seals the end of government conducted in accordance with the rule of law, as required under Article 4 of the Provisional Constitution. Presidential will has replaced constitutional order. This further reinforces the unlawful term extensions of Federal Member State presidents in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest, deepening systemic decay.
Second, Somalia is now ruled by an unaccountable, law-defying authority.
The country is governed by a leader whose actions openly violate the Constitution. Citizens are stripped of peaceful political remedies and pushed toward instability in defense of their dignity and civil and political rights.
Third, federal governance has been reduced to Mogadishu rule.
President Hassan has effectively appointed himself the de facto President of Mogadishu, overriding the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, and the constitutional role of the Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu. Constitutionally, the president has no executive role beyond safeguarding compliance with the Constitution—yet he now directly governs.
Fourth, state institutions have been personalized.
The judiciary, civil service, military, and security forces are increasingly loyal to the president rather than to the Constitution and the rule of law. This poses a grave threat to the survival of the Somali state, already fractured by political recrimination and clan tension—the historic Achilles’ heel of Somalia.
Fifth, the presidency has abandoned its constitutional role.
President Hassan has, both de jure and de facto, abandoned his role as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, symbol of national unity, and custodian of the Provisional Constitution.
Sixth, public opinion and opposition no longer matter.
Opposition voices, public sentiment, and independent media have no influence on decision-making. Power is exercised through personal conviction and unchecked authority. Citizens are reduced to subjects, and national interest is defined by presidential whim.
Seventh, the suffering of the poor is politically expendable.
The economic and social burdens imposed on vulnerable Somalis—through evictions, demolitions, lockdowns, coercion, and loss of livelihood—are of no concern to the presidency.
Eighth, fraud is marketed as achievement.
Through official statements by the president, government officials, and partisan supporters, the bogus Mogadishu elections are falsely portrayed as a national success, prioritizing factional interests over the welfare of the nation.
Ninth, Somalia has exited the democratic path.
The country has shifted decisively toward personal rule, lawlessness, and kleptocracy. The 25 December 2025 election marks the end of political dialogue, reconciliation, and shared sovereignty—and the beginning of a period of dangerous political turbulence with an uncertain and potentially tragic outcome.
Tenth, years of manipulation culminate in institutional chaos.
A two-year constitutional amendment process, the passage of three controversial laws, the hand-picking of a compliant electoral commission, opaque election financing, and today’s citywide lockdown converge in a likely fabricated claim of 200,000–300,000 voters. This will be used to justify 16 district councils fully controlled by the Justice and Solidarity Organization, without any legal framework defining their powers, responsibilities, or budgets. The creation of 390 council members will deepen administrative confusion and burden already suffering communities.
Final Judgment
Under the Constitution, the President of the Federal Republic must remain above political parties. Association with or leadership of a political organization violates the spirit and purpose of the federal republic and must be firmly rejected.
Today’s Mogadishu local elections are not merely flawed. They mark a turning point toward authoritarianism, institutional decay, and political recklessness. The damage inflicted on Somalia’s constitutional order, social cohesion, and democratic future will be profound and long-lasting. Urgent awakening and action are required to pull Somalia back from the brink—before it is too late.
Dr. Mohamud M. Uluso
MohamudUluso@gmail.com
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Horn Broadcasting Network.