Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated that elections will be held in Jubaland areas where voting is feasible, while in locations where conditions do not permit elections, the electoral procedures designated for such situations will be applied.
In an interview, Hamza Abdi Barre indicated that the federal government wants Jubaland to participate in the electoral process, with voting taking place in areas where circumstances allow.
“The election will take place, and it will be held wherever it is possible,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister noted that the situation in Jubaland differs from that of some other regional states, pointing out that the federal government does not recognize the current administrative system in Jubaland.
He cited areas such as Jilib, Bu’aale, Hagar, Jamaame, and Badhaadhe as examples, stating that if security conditions or other circumstances prevent voting in these and other areas, the electoral protocols designed for locations where voting cannot occur will be utilized. Hamza stated that the “single constituency” electoral system includes a mechanism to manage situations where voting cannot take place in certain areas.
The Prime Minister cited examples from past elections in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan, noting that while voting did not occur in some areas, mechanisms were employed to successfully conclude the electoral process.
The Prime Minister also addressed the situation in the Northeast, stating that voter registration and local government elections would commence there, while the current leadership and parliament would continue to serve out their existing terms.
He noted that Puntland’s situation differs from that of the other regional states.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as the Federal Government of Somalia advances its plan for direct elections, while Jubaland and Puntland have previously warned against measures—regarding electoral system reform—that they describe as lacking political consensus.
