National Electoral Commission Meets Political Parties to Discuss Hirshabelle and Galmudug Elections

MOGADISHU — The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has held a consultative meeting with political parties to discuss the electoral timeline for the upcoming Hirshabelle state election and the Galmudug state repeat election, as well as the completion of key electoral implementation activities.

The meeting, which brought together representatives from 16 political parties, focused on technical preparations for the elections, including the distribution of voter cards, submission of candidate lists, appointment of political party agents at polling stations, and ensuring transparency, integrity, and public confidence in the electoral process.

According to a statement from the commission, the discussions were part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the elections are conducted in accordance with the law and established electoral procedures.

Technical Preparations and Electoral Timeline

The meeting addressed the electoral timeline for Hirshabelle state elections scheduled for September 30, 2026, which were previously postponed from August 20 to allow for the completion of voter registration in four districts of the Hiiraan region. Key agenda items included the distribution of voter cards to eligible voters, a process that requires coordination between the commission and political parties to ensure that all registered voters receive their cards ahead of election day.

Discussions also covered the Galmudug state repeat elections, which have been rescheduled for September 30, 2026, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the previous election results held on July 30, 2026. The Court’s ruling followed legal challenges to the electoral process, with the Tawfiq Political Party alleging irregularities, violence, and the exclusion of party representatives from polling stations.

The submission of candidate lists was also addressed, with political parties required to present their candidates within the timeframe set by the electoral calendar. The appointment of party agents at polling stations was another key agenda item, with the commission emphasizing the importance of having representatives from all participating parties present to observe the voting and counting processes.

Political parties in attendance included Dhaqaaqa Soomaaliyeed, Qaran, Ramaas, Cadaaladda iyo Midnimada Tiir, Karaama, Sincad, Towfiiq, Muwaadiniinta Soomaaliyeed, Madalsan, Dimuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed, Dadka Soomaaliyeed, Cadaaladda iyo Wadajirka, Dhalinyarada Talo Qaran, Dan Shacab, Midnimada Shacabka, and Qaransoor.

Commitment to Transparent and Credible Elections

At the conclusion of the meeting, the NIEBC and the political parties agreed to proceed with the elections according to the timeline set by the commission. Both sides committed to strengthening cooperation and coordination, with all parties pledging to fully adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedures governing the electoral process.

The parties also agreed that the elections must be free, fair, transparent, and credible, with the integrity of the process being the top priority. This includes ensuring that the electoral environment remains conducive for all candidates and voters, and that the results reflect the will of the people.

The Hirshabelle elections will take place across 12 districts in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, with the commission having released the list of designated polling stations. The Galmudug repeat elections will be held across 11 districts in the Galgaduud and Mudug regions.

The Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) has formally accepted the Supreme Court’s ruling and stated it is ready to participate in the repeat elections. However, the electoral process has been overshadowed by political tensions, including a rift between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad over who should lead Galmudug.

The Hirshabelle electoral process has also faced security challenges, with armed Macawiisley fighters seizing control of voter registration centers in Beledweyne and disrupting preparations for the elections.

Critical Note

The consultative meeting between the NIEBC and political parties represents a positive step toward ensuring that the Hirshabelle and Galmudug elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner. The commitment to adhere to established timelines and procedures is encouraging, but the real test will be in the implementation of these agreements on the ground.

The distribution of voter cards and the submission of candidate lists are key technical milestones that require effective coordination between the commission and political parties. While there is broad agreement on the principles of transparency and integrity, the commission must ensure that all parties are held to the same standards and that any disputes are resolved swiftly and fairly. The political parties that participated in this meeting represent a cross-section of Somalia’s political landscape, but their commitment to the process must be matched by adherence to the electoral code of conduct throughout the campaign period and beyond.

The decision to hold both the Galmudug and Hirshabelle elections on the same day presents significant logistical and administrative challenges for the commission, which will need to manage two simultaneous electoral processes across 23 districts in four regions. Without a clear plan for managing the logistical and political challenges, the risk remains that the commission’s capacity could be stretched beyond its limits, leading to delays, irregularities, or disputes that could destabilize both states.