The National Electoral Commission is preparing to hold a “one-person, one-vote” election on the 30th of this month in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, even as tensions run high in the Hiran region.
The Federal Government is pushing for the election to take place on schedule, despite intense political discord and unrest in one of the two regions that make up Hirshabelle State.
A massive protest opposing the Hirshabelle administration and its presidential election shook the city of Beledweyne on Thursday. Local politicians, elders, and community leaders oppose the candidacy and re-election bid of Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Gudlawe), arguing that the election process lacks inclusivity and consensus.
Lawmakers elected from the Hiran region addressed the protesters in Beledweyne, calling for the local population’s grievances to be respected and urging that their political future not be compromised.
Politicians and elders from the region are demanding a consensus-based resolution or a change in the top leadership of Hirshabelle State, while Villa Somalia is working to ensure the election proceeds as planned. Preparations for the upcoming Wednesday vote are underway in the city of Jowhar and other areas of the Middle Shabelle region, whereas a different atmosphere prevails in the eastern part of the Hiran region.
Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, Secretary-General of the JSP political organization led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived in Jowhar on Saturday afternoon with a delegation; he stated that the visit was aimed at accelerating the election campaign. Hussein Sheikh urged Hirshabelle residents who have obtained voter cards to turn out on election day and cast their votes for JSP candidates.
Reporters indicate that community leaders in Hiran are strongly opposed to holding elections in the region without first reaching a mutually agreed-upon political settlement.
Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar (Yusuf Dabageed), currently in Beledweyne, insists that no election can be held in the region until an understanding is reached among the factions involved in Hirshabelle’s political dispute. Sources indicate that politicians and elders in Beledweyne are planning to display military force, intending to counter the divisive election process.
This move could jeopardize the prospects of holding a peaceful and stable election in the districts of the Hiran region where the vote is scheduled to take place.
The Electoral Commission has announced that the elections for parliamentary seats and local council seats in Hirshabelle districts will be contested concurrently.
