On Saturday, the regional parliament of South West State re-elected Mr. Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed, also known as Laftagaren, for a second term as President. The elections were held hastily in Baidoa, with Laftagaren securing 66 votes and his main challenger receiving 13 votes, according to the regional election commission. The presidential elections took place just one hour after the parliament elected a new Speaker, Mr. Ali Saed Fiqi, and his deputy, making it one of the quickest elections in Somalia and establishing the legislative body within one hour. However, opposition groups in South West State have rejected the elections, stating that they lack a legal basis and are merely a coronation. Former Somali President, Mr. Mohamed Abdilahi Farmajo, sent a message of congratulations to the President-Elect, Mr. Laftagaren, emphasizing the importance of elections for stability in the region. He also urged the new leadership to prioritize reconciliation among the community, the liberation of areas under the control of armed groups, and the improvement of social services. In addition, former Somali President, Shariif Sheikh Ahmed, also congratulated the re-elected officials and praised the newly sworn-in lawmakers. He called on other Federal Member States, whose terms in office have expired, to hold elections immediately in order to avoid a political vacuum that could jeopardize national security. The Interior Minister of South West State, Mr. Abdullahi Haji Hassan, was the main challenger of the incumbent president, Mr. Laftagaren. The president was chosen by newly sworn-in members of the legislative body in Biadoa on Saturday. The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Mohamed Nur Mohamed Ma’alin, also known as Gaabow, was re-elected, as well as the Second Deputy Speaker, Ms. Shamsa Mohamed Yarow. After his re-election, Mr. Laftagren called on the Somali Federal Government not to create problems for the people of South West State. Today in Mogadishu, Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stated that the time for indirect elections is over and the country is headed towards a democratic process.
