Local council and parliamentary elections began on Sunday, May 10, in Somalia’s South West State. This marks the first direct election using the “one person, one vote” system in over 57 years. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced the polls. He called them a crucial step for democratic growth and public involvement.
Fifteen political parties are competing for parliamentary seats. A total of 394 candidates are running. Of these, 322 are men and 72 are women. For local council elections, 18 political parties fielded candidates. These elections are happening in 13 districts. There are 1,297 candidates in this race. Men number 1,022, and women are 275. The commission confirmed strict adherence to electoral laws. It urged all parties to ensure transparency and security.
However, observers raise concerns about the fairness of these elections. They report that unwanted candidates have been imposed. This is happening in regions like Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State itself. These groups suggest the polls lack genuine transparency. They believe it is more about political appointments than public choice. Somali activist Aidil stated the public desires fair elections. They want to be free from imposed candidates and policies tailored to those in power. Aidil expressed deep concerns on X about the current situation.
These elections occur during a severe security crisis in South West Somalia. The federal government's exclusion of local security forces has created major challenges. Last March, South West State suspended all cooperation with the Mogadishu government. This highlights ongoing tensions within Somalia's federal system. State officials accused the federal government of arming militias. They alleged attempts to overthrow the regional president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed. Hassan Abdullahi Mohamed, spokesman for South West State, explained the decision. It followed an investigation into federal government actions. He stated the federal administration recruited unrecognized militias. They wore national army uniforms and operated in the region.
The state views these actions as an attack on its unity. They believe it threatens the population's existence. This prompted the immediate suspension of cooperation. The spokesman also accused the central government of using national resources. These resources are allegedly meant to weaken state authority. He mentioned the exploitation of regional cabinet ministers for political aims. This happens at the cost of local stability. He stressed that dialogue attempts had failed. This escalation poses a new hurdle for the federal government. It complicates political management and election preparations.
Somali affairs expert Abdul Wali Jame Bari commented on the situation. He believes South West State's decision has significant political implications. It reflects deeper structural issues within Somalia's federal framework. Bari noted that relations between the center and federal states remain volatile. States are acting more independently, potentially weakening national decision-making. He sees a genuine crisis of trust. This is shown by mutual accusations of interference. This new crisis widens Somalia's divisions. He emphasized the urgent need for swift resolution. Repercussions could create security gaps. These gaps might be exploited by groups like Al-Shabaab. Military efforts could also be diverted to political conflicts.
In 2024, the state opposed the federal government's plan. This plan involved withdrawing Ethiopian troops. The state argued that Ethiopian forces were performing vital work. These forces are part of the African Union peacekeeping mission ATMIS. In June 2025, three federal states declared a break from Mogadishu. Puntland, Jubaland, and South West State made this announcement. They accused the central government of violating constitutional laws. In recent times, President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed suspended relations again. He cited the federal government's role in fueling local conflict. This followed clashes in Baidoa, the regional capital.