Somalia’s Supreme Court has ruled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term in office has expired, ordering the country to hold elections within 90 days. The decision has intensified an ongoing political power struggle between the presidency and various political factions.
The judicial verdict effectively invalidates the measures taken to extend the President’s tenure, stripping the current administration of its legal authority to remain in office beyond its original constitutional mandate. The court’s ruling places an immediate requirement on the federal government to facilitate a transition of power.
The decision to mandate elections within 90 days follows months of legal disputes regarding the legitimacy of President Mohamud’s continued leadership. Constitutional experts and opposition leaders had previously challenged the legality of the term extension, arguing it lacked a proper foundation under Somali law.
Political tension rises amid election mandate
The Supreme Court’s intervention comes at a time of heightened friction between the federal government and several regional states. The ruling is expected to disrupt the current administration’s political strategy, as it forces a swift move toward a national vote during a period of internal instability.
Opposition figures in Somalia have long argued that the extension of the presidential term undermined the democratic process and weakened the authority of the constitution. For the presidency, the ruling presents a significant challenge to maintaining control over the state apparatus while preparing for a high-stakes electoral contest.
Logistical and security concerns now dominate the conversation in Mogadishu. The 90-day window provides a tight timeline for the National Independent Electoral Commission to organise a credible voting process. This is particularly difficult given the persistent security threats posed by Al-Shabaab, which frequently targets government institutions and electoral infrastructure.
Regional leaders have expressed varying reactions to the court’s decision. While some welcome the move as a restoration of constitutional order, others have raised concerns about the capacity of the federal government to ensure a peaceful and secure election within the stipulated timeframe. The ruling effectively removes the possibility of further delays, making the 90-day deadline a mandatory constitutional obligation.
The federal government must now coordinate with security agencies and electoral bodies to meet this deadline. The immediate focus shifts to whether the current administration can manage the transition without triggering further political unrest or security breakdowns in the volatile political landscape.
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