Multidimensional barriers to implementing ‘one person, one vote’case study: Benadir municipality Somalia

Abstract

This case study examines the multidimensional barriers hindering the implementation of universal suffrage (One Person, One Vote) in Somalia’s Benadir Region, focusing on procedural, logistical, security-related, and institutional challenges. We employ a multi-method approach to analyze the interplay between clan dynamics, urban governance constraints, and security threats, revealing systemic gaps between policy targets and actual outcomes. The findings indicate that voter registration coverage remains limited (60–70%), while candidate nomination rejections (40%) and bureaucratic delays in polling station setup further disrupt electoral processes. Moreover, security incidents, particularly Al-Shabaab attacks, correlate strongly with electoral delays, as evidenced by incident data showing heightened violence during critical preparation phases. Public trust in electoral bodies is alarmingly low (25%), contrasting sharply with government aspirations (70–80% registration coverage), underscoring a significant perception-implementation gap. Furthermore, resource misallocation, climate-related displacement, and a 37% funding shortfall in humanitarian budgets exacerbate these challenges. The study highlights the need for integrated reforms addressing security stabilization, institutional capacity building, and public trust restoration. Its contribution lies in providing empirical insights into governance obstacles in post-conflict settings, offering actionable recommendations for electoral reform in fragile states. The findings are particularly relevant for policymakers and practitioners working on stabilization efforts in similar contexts, emphasizing the importance of multidimensional approaches to overcome implementation barriers.