Politics & Government Guide · SomaliaPolitics & Government Guide in Somalia
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Somalia is a federal republic undergoing significant democratic transition, with constitutional amendments approved in 2024 establishing direct presidential elections to replace the clan-based indirect system. The country is preparing for its first one-person, one-vote elections since 1967, though it continues to face security challenges from Al-Shabab and political fragmentation among federal member states. Despite ongoing humanitarian and security crises, Somalia has demonstrated commitment to democratic procedures through peaceful power transitions.
Political Stability
Poor
Press Freedom
Moderate
Government Type
Federal Republic
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on Somali customary law, Islamic law, and civil law
Head of State
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud(since 2022)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barresince 2022
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: -2.5 to 2.5
Fragile
World Bank Political Stability Index (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Difficult
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center
Center-right
Voting Rights
Citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote. The country is transitioning from a clan-based indirect electoral system to direct universal suffrage elections. Members of Parliament will be elected by popular vote, while the president will be directly elected by the population under the new constitutional amendments approved in March 2024.
Recent Developments
- Constitutional amendments approved March 30, 2024, establishing direct presidential elections by universal suffrage and extending presidential term to five years
- National voter registration campaign launched April 13, 2025, marking preparation for first one-person, one-vote elections since 1967
- Somaliland held peaceful direct presidential election on November 13, 2024, with opposition candidate Cirro and Waddani party winning 64 percent of vote
- Political agreement reached August 25, 2025, between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders on electoral process elements
- Puntland withdrew from Somali Federation during constitutional review period, heightening political fragmentation
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