JOWHAR — The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has released the list of polling stations designated for the Hirshabelle State local council and parliamentary elections, which will take place across 12 districts in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions .
In the Hiiraan region, six districts have been designated: Beledweyne, Jalalaqsi, Buulo Burde, Matabaan, Jawiil, and Farlibaax. In the Middle Shabelle region, the six districts are Jowhar, Balcad, Warsheekh, Cadale, Mahadaay, and Raage Ceelle .
The Commission had previously released the overall timetable for the Hirshabelle elections, outlining the various stages of the electoral process and steps related to preparing for voting . The current announcement is part of the plan to prepare polling centers and sites, with the Commission officially identifying the districts where the elections will take place .
The elections are being contested for seats in the Hirshabelle local councils and House of Representatives, with the Commission stating that the electoral process will be managed according to an official schedule and procedures it has established .
The announcement of the 12 districts is a significant step in preparing for the Hirshabelle elections, with the Commission expected to officially announce the polling date after the previous election schedule was delayed .
Context and Challenges
Hirshabelle’s transition to one-person, one-vote elections was formally launched in July 2025, when President Ali Gudlawe Hussein inaugurated voter registration in Jowhar, describing the initiative as a turning point for inclusive governance. “For the first time, every eligible citizen will have a voice and a vote in determining their local leaders,” President Gudlawe stated .
The Hirshabelle Cabinet has convened to discuss election preparations, with Ismail Hassan Nur appointed as Minister of Planning and Ahmed Bariise Heydar selected as Deputy Minister of Interior .
The elections were previously postponed in August 2026, with the Commission citing three primary reasons: voter registration is still underway in four districts of the Hiiraan region; political organizations need additional time to mobilize their supporters; and political groups require more time to submit candidate lists .
The announcement of the Hirshabelle timetable comes amid growing concerns about federal interference in regional electoral processes. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly signaled his intention to proceed with elections in three allied regional states, including Hirshabelle, before initiating broader federal electoral negotiations. Sources indicate the President plans to engage in federal-level talks about the national election framework only after the regional processes are completed .
The postponement comes amid deep electoral divisions between the federal government and opposition groups. The federal administration, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, maintains steadfast support for a nationwide “one-person, one-vote” system, while the opposition Somali Future Council has proposed an alternative “Expanded Indirect Election” model that blends direct voting with the 4.5 clan power-sharing formula .
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has sharply criticised the Federal Government’s push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system, arguing that an election whose outcome is predetermined cannot be considered democratic .
Critical Note
The announcement of polling stations across 12 districts represents a significant step forward for the Hirshabelle electoral process, but the challenges facing the election remain substantial. The previous postponement, cited by the Commission as necessary due to incomplete voter registration and the need for political organizations to submit candidate lists, highlights the difficulties of organizing elections in a federal member state with limited infrastructure and capacity.
The concerns about federal interference, articulated by some political actors, underscore the deep mistrust that has characterized the relationship between Mogadishu and regional administrations. The federal government’s apparent strategy of proceeding with elections in allied regional states before engaging in national electoral negotiations raises questions about the independence of the electoral process and the commitment to inclusive political dialogue.
The Commission must ensure that the revised electoral timetable is realistic and that the process is transparent and inclusive. Without genuine commitment from all parties to a peaceful electoral transition, the postponement risks being followed by further delays or, worse, a disputed election that could destabilize the region. The international community must support the Commission in its efforts to conduct credible elections while urging political actors to prioritize the national interest over narrow political ambitions.
