BAIDOA: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has officially released the final results of the South West State parliamentary and local council elections, held across 13 districts, as top presidential contenders warn against alleged manipulation and pledge to reject any outcome they deem fraudulent. The results come amid heightened political tensions in the regional capital and wider disputes between the federal government and opposition over the electoral process.
NIEBC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan announced at a press conference that 32 political associations participated in the race for the House of Representatives. Approximately 132,430 voters who collected their voting cards cast their ballots. The commission confirmed the distribution of the 95 seats as follows: the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) secured 51 seats, the NPU association won 14 seats, Karaama obtained 11 seats, SINCAD secured 6 seats, and Tiir won 3 seats. Some other associations secured single seats, while several did not win any. The commission also announced results for the local council elections across the 13 districts, where 32 associations contested a total of 297 seats.
Candidates Warn Against Vote Manipulation
Even before the results were officially released, top presidential contenders in South West State had issued strong cautions against possible electoral manipulation. Addressing the media on Tuesday evening, candidate Ilyaas Ali Nuur directly challenged his rival, federal parliament speaker Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), asserting that a victory for Madobe under present circumstances would be considered a “theft” of the electoral process. “Should the South West election results not align with our expectations, we will withdraw and disassociate ourselves from the outcome,” Nuur stated, indicating a complete boycott if transparency is lacking.
Similar concerns were raised by veteran politician Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. “We cannot accept the outcomes or any vote tampering,” he told reporters. “Nevertheless, if the election results are confirmed as authentic, we will collaborate with the elected individual.” The warnings reflect deepening distrust in Baidoa, where local politicians believe the federal administration in Mogadishu is interfering in the electoral process. Allegations that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s faction is preparing to dominate regional parliamentary seats have intensified distrust among candidates.
Political Context and Credibility Concerns
The elections come at a sensitive time amid heavy tension regarding the federal government’s management of the transitional period, a process currently opposed by the opposition Somali Future Council, Jubaland, and Puntland. The federal government had previously rejected the re-election of Abdiasis Laftagareen in March, describing it as an “illegal pseudo-election.” Security was significantly tightened in Baidoa, with police, intelligence agents and special forces deployed to maintain stability.
It remains unclear whether the political associations that participated in the South West elections will accept the results. Experts suggest that the standoff in Baidoa serves as a benchmark for Somalia’s democratic aspirations, with critics warning that federal intervention might undermine the region’s already fragile security conditions. Adan Madobe, widely seen as the federal government’s preferred candidate, arrived in Baidoa in late April and has been actively rallying support. His main rivals included Minister of Ports Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Minister of Livestock Hassan Elay, alongside independent figures.
With the results now public, attention is focused on whether a political consensus can be reached to facilitate a smooth and credible transition. The federal government has not yet commented on the outcome, while opposition figures have not immediately indicated whether they will accept or challenge the official results. The situation remains fluid as South West State prepares for the presidential vote.
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