MOGADISHU – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly criticized the federal government’s approach to implementing the planned “one person, one vote” electoral system.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Saturday, Sharif said the opposition is dissatisfied with how the process is being handled, accusing the country’s leadership of monopolizing decision-making and sidelining dissenting voices.

He claimed that top government officials have taken control of all aspects of the electoral preparations, leaving little room for consultation or input from opposition figures.

Sharif’s remarks come amid ongoing but inconclusive meetings between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of the opposition. While these discussions have yet to produce tangible results, the former president’s statements highlight the widening rift over the direction of Somalia’s political transition.

For its part, the federal government has maintained that the “one person, one vote” election will take place as planned, acknowledging existing challenges but stressing the importance of giving citizens the right to directly choose their representatives.