President Hassan Sheikh Commends Peaceful Southwest Elections, Warns Against Destabilizing Protests

MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised the peaceful conduct of the one‑person, one‑vote elections held on Saturday across 13 districts in South West State, describing the polls as “a new chapter in Somalia’s history.” The President noted that thousands of citizens, including elders, youth, and persons with disabilities, participated in casting ballots for local councils and state representatives without any major security incidents reported.

“Today, residents in 13 districts exercised their democratic right to vote for local councils and representatives of the South West State administration. As the day nears its conclusion, no significant security threats or disruptions have been observed, and citizens continue to form long lines to cast their votes,” the President stated. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) had previously confirmed that more than 376,000 voters were registered for the elections, with 394 parliamentary candidates and 1,297 local council aspirants contesting the seats.

President Hassan Sheikh also acknowledged Somali security forces for protecting the electoral process and thwarting efforts to sabotage the democratic exercise by what he called “Al‑Shabaab militants and other anti‑state elements.” Security measures were heightened across the state, with additional personnel deployed and enhanced controls implemented to ensure a safe voting environment.

Regarding the situation in Mogadishu, the President denounced what he characterised as politically motivated protests designed to destabilise the nation. He questioned why rallies were held on the same day as the elections and a government‑initiated national dialogue session. “The protest was not conducted with genuine intentions; it aimed to create instability in Somalia,” he stated, noting that while the government upholds citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations, it will not accept chaos or armed threats. Opposition leaders had previously confirmed plans to protest on May 10, but the gathering failed to materialise following a security lockdown.

The President reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional freedoms while maintaining national security and stability. In his concluding remarks, he encouraged Somali politicians pursuing leadership roles to offer viable political platforms capable of gaining public endorsement, cautioning against manipulating public feelings and vulnerabilities for political advantage.

The South West State elections mark a significant step in Somalia’s transition toward direct democratic participation after decades of indirect, clan‑based voting systems. The Interim Leader of South West State has repeatedly stressed the importance of conducting free and credible elections, and the NIEBC has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution and national laws.