MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali opposition leaders Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Hassan Ali Khayre, and Abdirahman Abdishakur announced on Wednesday their decision to boycott the newly passed electoral law and the poll committee recently approved by parliament.

In a joint press release, the leaders accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of violating the constitution by allegedly shaping the election law and committee to favor his party in the upcoming elections. They described these actions as unconstitutional and aimed at securing partisan advantages.

The opposition’s boycott underscores growing concerns about the fairness and integrity of Somalia’s electoral process, further deepening divisions in the country’s political landscape.

This adds to an ongoing political crisis, as the federal government remains at odds with Jubaland and Puntland over the electoral model and constitutional review process. The opposition’s stance could significantly impact the legitimacy of future elections.