The 1958 Municipal Elections marked the start of a pattern of electoral malpractices culminating in the 1969 disastrous general elections

[Deeq A.]

By 1957, the responsibilities of the domestic affairs of the Trust Territory, had been transferred to the Somali government, established in 1956 (Law No. 1 of May 7, 1956); the trusteeship regime retaining only foreign and defense related affairs. This piece aims to shed some light on the mistakes, irregularities and abuses which have characterized the first election, 1958, conducted entirely under the Somali control. The irregularities committed in that election, set a bad example with negative impact on all subsequent local and political elections, during the parliamentary regime, culminating in the disastrous elections of 1969.

Source: Hiiraan Online