Baidoa, Somalia – Reports emerging from Southwest State indicate that President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen is preparing to hold an indirect election to determine the next leadership of the state.
The move, which mirrors Somalia’s broader electoral tradition, comes at a sensitive time for Baidoa, where authorities have recently warned against the rising presence of illegal weapons.
Political observers note that Laftagareen’s plan could spark debate among Southwest’s political stakeholders, some of whom favor a more inclusive and direct electoral process.
Indirect elections, which involve selection through clan elders and political delegates rather than a direct public vote, have long been a feature of Somali politics but are often criticized for limiting public participation and enabling elite bargaining.
In Baidoa, the state capital, security forces remain on high alert. Local officials have cautioned against the circulation of unauthorized firearms, citing the potential for political tensions to escalate as the electoral season approaches. Security agencies have been tasked with tightening control to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the city.
Analysts suggest that Laftagareen’s electoral strategy could shape both the political landscape of Southwest and the broader federal-state relations in Somalia.
The outcome of the upcoming leadership contest will be closely watched, not only by the people of Southwest but also by Mogadishu and Somalia’s international partners, who continue to emphasize the importance of stability, inclusivity, and lawful processes in state elections.
For now, Baidoa’s residents face a dual reality: anticipation over the state’s political future and unease over security threats tied to the illegal circulation of arms.