BAIDOA: The Interim Leader of the South West State of Somalia, H.E. Jibril Abdiraashid Haji, on Thursday received a delegation at the Presidential Palace in Baidoa led by the Chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), H.E. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming South West State elections, with both sides exploring methods to ensure the polls are conducted within the scheduled timeframe and that all political parties are treated equitably throughout the electoral process.
H.E. Jibril Abdiraashid Haji emphasized the significance of conducting free and credible elections in accordance with the nation’s laws, noting that such a process would contribute to political stability and enhance public confidence. In response, the Chairman of the commission confirmed the NIEBC’s dedication to implementing a transparent, inclusive, and accountable electoral process where all stakeholders are treated equally. The NIEBC has officially extended the deadline for candidate applications for the South West State electoral process, while also confirming the polling date for the upcoming regional elections. Beyond South West State, the commission has announced election dates for other federal member states, with Galmudug and Hirshabelle set to vote on May 13, 2026.
Thursday’s meeting in Baidoa builds on the federal government’s efforts to manage the political transition in the state. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently concluded several days of intensive meetings in Baidoa aimed at restoring order and steering the transition following the federal government’s assumption of control. The military intervention, which saw federal forces enter Baidoa on March 30, forced the resignation of the previously re-elected president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen). In response, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed his deputy, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, as Interim Leader. The Interim Leader has been actively engaging with presidential candidates and key stakeholders to ensure a transparent and lawful process.
The political climate in South West State is part of a broader national context. The Ministry of Interior has rejected the previous election held in March, labeling it a ‘pseudo-election’ and deepening the political standoff with the former administration. The current leadership has consistently called for a fair process, aiming to hold the region’s house of representatives and district council elections as scheduled, in line with the shift to a universal suffrage system across all federal member states. The meeting between Interim Leader Jibril Abdirashid Haji and the NIEBC Chairman marks a critical step towards finalizing election logistics, including voter registration, candidate vetting, and ensuring the security of the electoral process throughout the region.
Recommended Reading on ftlsomalia.com:
- Electoral Commission Postpones Deadline, Announces South West State Polling Date
- President Hassan Unites Allies in Baidoa Amid Leadership Contest After Takeover
- South West Leader Discusses Elections with Presidential Candidate
- Federal Government Rejects South West State Election as an ‘Illegal Pseudo-Election’
- Calm Returns to Baidoa as Federal Delegation Arrives to Oversee Political Transition
