Somalia’s 2021 electoral model, agreed on 27 May, was intended to improve legitimacy after the failure to implement one-person one-vote elections. However, the agreement has instead proven unworkable. Designed as a compromise between President Farmaajo’s camp and the opposition, the model expanded venues, increased electors, and added vaguely defined civil society participation changes critics say were crafted to favor Villa Somalia. Political tensions escalated when caretaker Prime Minister Roble asserted independence, clashing with Farmaajo over NISA leadership and investigations into the death of officer Ikraan Tahliil. Opposition gains in the Senate dimmed Farmaajo’s re-election hopes, prompting obstruction of the process. With elections far behind schedule, key venues insecure, and the Lower House procedure undefined, completing the cycle before year-end is unrealistic. The political impasse has frozen budget support, jeopardized debt relief, and eroded governance legitimacy. The only viable solution may be to abandon the 27 May accord and revert to the 2016-17 electoral model: 135 elders selecting electors, 51 electors per seat, and reduced venues. This familiar system could be implemented quickly, enabling a new government to take office within months provided Somalia’s leaders and international partners act decisively.