Somalia has announced it will hold direct elections next year, ending a 56-year hiatus.
Political parties reached this agreement during the Somali National Consultative Council Meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting was presided over by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.
Political leaders from Hirshabele, Galmudug, and South West states attended the meeting.
The direct elections will include votes for parliament members and state presidents.
Local council elections are scheduled for June 2025, followed by federal elections in September.
The Presidency stated that prior agreements concerning the electoral process are vital.
They emphasized the need for fair and transparent elections for the Somali people.
Despite this progress, opposition from Puntland and Jubaland leaders has emerged.
Said Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Madobe rejected the direct election decision, citing concerns over national unity.
In a related development, Somalia’s elite soldiers launched a military operation against al-Shabaab.
More than 15 militants were killed in this latest offensive in Mudug province.
