Somali political parties' fate hinges on ballot model

Abstract

Subject Political parties in democracy. Significance Amid a divisive standoff with the federal government, the leaders of Somalia’s federal member states on October 24 resolved to establish their own political party, the National Progressive Party, to advocate for a "federalist, progressive and consultative agenda". This development could represent a new phase in efforts to institutionalise the role of political parties in Somali politics. However, like other recent formations, it could ultimately remain more firmly grounded in existing models of political competition. Impacts Alliances among Hawiye clan-led political parties may incentivise other elites to create clan-centric formations. Universal suffrage would enhance the agency of political parties and increase the costs of electoral corruption. Conflict between the government and federal member states could derail efforts to adopt a new system in the next elections.