HARGEISA — With more than 70% of its population under the age of 30, Somaliland is one of the demographically youngest territories in the world. As the nation prepares for the highly anticipated presidential and political party elections scheduled for November 2026, this young demographic is increasingly asserting its influence. No longer content with merely voting, a new generation of politically engaged Somalilanders is driving digital activism, organizing grassroots debates, and running for local councils, reshaping the democratic path of the country.
A Demographic Tidal Wave in Electoral Politics
Somaliland’s democratic path has been characterized by peaceful transfers of power, a unique hybrid system of traditional elders (the Guurti) and modern democratic institutions, and biometric voter technology. However, the political elite has historically been dominated by an older generation of leaders whose perspectives were forged during the national reconstruction period of the 1990s.
Today, the sheer numbers of the youth are forcing political parties—including the ruling Kulmiye party and the opposition Waddani and UCID parties—to adjust their agendas. According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), young voters constitute the vast majority of the newly registered 1.2 million voters. This massive voting block holds the key to the presidency, making youth-focused economic and education policies the primary battleground of the campaigns.
"Our democracy cannot thrive on historical narratives alone. The youth of Somaliland respect the achievements of our elders in building peace, but we are focused on the future. We need modern schools, transparent institutions, and, most importantly, jobs." — Barkhad Jama, Youth Representative, Hargeisa Civic Alliance
From Social Media to Local Councils
The rise of digital technology and widespread mobile connectivity has provided young Somalilanders with unprecedented platforms for civic mobilization. In Hargeisa, Burao, and Garadag, youth-led civil society organizations are using platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) to run civic education campaigns, fact-check political speeches, and register new voters.
This digital mobilization is translating into actual political representation. In recent municipal elections, a record number of candidates under the age of 35 successfully won seats in local councils. These young councilors are introducing fresh perspectives to local governance, prioritizing municipal cleanliness, digitalized revenue collection, public space creation, and community health centers. Their success is breaking the traditional clan-based nomination systems, demonstrating that qualifications and community service can win elections.
Civic debate clubs, once restricted to universities, have expanded to secondary schools across the country. In these clubs, young people debate critical topics such as constitutional reform, natural resource management, and regional diplomatic strategies, fostering a culture of tolerance, critical thinking, and peaceful political expression.
Challenges to Representation: Clan vs Party
Despite their electoral gains, young candidates face deep-seated systemic barriers in their search for political power. The primary obstacle is the traditional clan system (*Beel*), which remains the dominant organizing framework for local and national politics. Clan elders historically hold the power to nominate candidates for elections, frequently favoring older, wealthier men who possess established networks and resources.
Young political activists argue that this traditional system restricts the entry of innovative ideas and fresh talent. To challenge this, youth coalitions are working to strengthen political party structures, advocating for transparent merit-based nomination processes that prioritize qualifications and community advocacy over clan endorsements. This struggle between traditional clan structures and modern political parties is a defining dynamic of Somaliland's current democratic development, with the youth serving as the primary drivers of modernization.
Youth-led Legislative Proposals
In addition to seeking executive and municipal offices, young Somalilanders are actively engaging in the legislative arena. Youth advocacy organizations, such as the Somaliland Youth Umbrella (SONYO), have drafted and successfully campaigned for key legislative reforms, including the National Youth Act and amendments to the Civil Service Commission guidelines to ensure transparent, merit-based hiring.
Current legislative goals focus on establishing youth quotas in parliament, ensuring that at least 15% of parliamentary seats are reserved for qualified candidates under the age of 35. By securing a direct voice in the legislative drafting process, youth leaders aim to shape national budgetary priorities, ensuring that long-term funding for higher education, vocational training, and green tech investments is protected in the national budget.
Tackling the Challenge of Unemployment (Tahriib)
Despite their enthusiasm, young Somalilanders face significant structural hurdles. The foremost concern is the lack of formal employment. High rates of youth unemployment have historically driven many young people to embark on "Tahriib"—the dangerous migration route through the Sahara and Mediterranean toward Europe.
To address this crisis, youth activists are advocating for a comprehensive national youth employment policy. They are lobbying for government support for entrepreneurship, tax incentives for tech startups, and the reform of the vocational training sector to align with the needs of the growing private sector. In recent months, collaborative programs between the Ministry of Youth and private companies like Telesom and Dahabshiil have launched business incubators and digital literacy bootcamps, offering alternative paths for talented young developers and creators.
E-E-A-T Editorial Standards and Political Neutrality
Somaliland NTV is committed to reporting on democratic processes with absolute impartiality and objectivity. Our political reporting is based on verified voter data from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), public policy documents from local municipalities, and academic studies from Hargeisa University’s Social Research Institute. We do not endorse any political candidate or party, and our coverage is focused on highlighting the diverse voices of Somaliland's citizens and civil society.
Conclusion: The Stewards of the Democratic Future
Somaliland’s democratic model has long been celebrated as a grassroots, self-funded success story in a turbulent region. The active integration of youth into this democratic framework is essential for its sustainability. By embracing new ideas, demanding accountability, and participating peacefully in the upcoming November election, the youth are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the active stewards of Somaliland's democratic progress today.