BAYDHABA – The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has conducted a by-election in Baydhaba to fill parliamentary seat HOP#18, which was vacated by former Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madobe), following his recent election as President of South West State.
The by-election was contested by two candidates: Abuukar Maxamed Cabdiraxmaan Aadan and Fardowsa Ali Ahmed. Although Fardowsa Ali Ahmed had earlier announced her withdrawal from the race, the election proceeded by a show of hands. The results, announced by the NIEBC, gave Abuukar Maxamed Cabdiraxmaan Aadan 96 votes, while Fardowsa Ali Ahmed received 5 votes.
Madobe was elected President of South West State on June 10, 2026, securing 88 votes in the regional leadership election held in Baidoa. His election to a regional executive post meant he was expected to lose his position as Speaker of the House of the People under Somalia’s constitutional rules barring the holding of both federal and regional offices simultaneously.
Speaker Race Intensifies
The by-election comes amid a heated contest to fill the speakership of the House of the People, which Madobe left vacant. The position is currently being held on an acting basis by First Deputy Speaker Sadiya Yasin Haji Samatar.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously praised Madobe’s leadership during his tenure as speaker, noting that he played a major role in strengthening cooperation among state institutions and improving the legislature’s performance during a period marked by significant political and constitutional developments.
Several politicians from South West State, who have a stake in the seat, are now campaigning to fill the speaker position for the remainder of the parliamentary term. According to sources, the contenders include:
– Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jaamac)
– Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Dhaay)
– State Minister for Interior, Saadaad Mohamed Nur (Aliyow)
Following his resignation from the speakership, Aden Madobe was praised by President Mohamud for his role in strengthening parliament and supporting state-building. The Speaker’s election is expected to be one of the first items of business when parliament formally reconvenes.
Way Forward
The federal parliament is expected to reconvene shortly to formally begin its work, with the election of a new speaker as the first order of business to fill the vacancy left by Madobe’s departure. The outcome of the speaker race is expected to have significant implications for the balance of power within the federal government and the legislative agenda in the coming months.
