The country uses a complex and indirect system - a one-person-one-vote election has not be held for more than 50 years.

MPs are chosen by delegates appointed by clan elders and members of civil society who are selected by regional state officials. The MPs then vote for a new president.

Six seats are yet to be voted in for south-central Hirshabelle state, while southern Jubbaland is yet to fill 16 seats because of an ongoing political tussle.

More than 90% of the country’s 275 parliamentary seats have been filled and the MPs are expected to be sworn in next month.

Somalia risks losing economic and security support from regional and international partners over consistent election delays - several deadlines have been missed since February 2021.

US sanctions against unnamed individuals linked to the election delays have failed to hasten the process.