Somalia and Türkiye Deepen Electoral Cooperation Ahead of Key 2026 Vote

Abdikarim Hassan, Chairman of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (@NIEBCSomalia), led a high-level delegation to Türkiye this week as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2025 general elections.

The delegation held official talks with Ahmet Yener, President of the Turkish Supreme Electoral Council (YSK), at the Council’s headquarters in Ankara. Discussions focused on key areas such as voter registration systems, electoral frameworks, and the inclusion of diaspora communities in the electoral process.

In addition to their engagements with YSK, the Somali delegation met with senior officials from Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore avenues of support for Somalia’s electoral roadmap. Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation to ensure Somalia’s elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and technologically efficient manner.

In a joint statement, the Inter-Agency Electoral Commission of Somalia emphasized its commitment to partnering with Turkish institutions on capacity building initiatives, particularly in staff training and digital upgrades. These collaborative efforts aim to modernize Somalia’s electoral system and promote best practices drawn from Türkiye’s long-standing democratic experience.

This visit marks a significant step in Somalia’s broader vision to hold direct elections based on universal suffrage, enhancing public trust and participation in governance. With Türkiye playing an increasingly active role in supporting Somalia’s development and institutional reform, this electoral partnership is seen as a cornerstone for democratic progress in the Horn of Africa.