Electoral Commission Unveils Districts and Political Groups for South West Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has released the official list of districts and political organizations set to participate in the upcoming one-person, one-vote elections in South West State.
In a statement, the commission confirmed that voting will take place in 12 districts spanning the regions of Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle. The selected districts are Baydhabo, Barawe, Marka, Afgooye, Wanlaweyn, Buurhakaba, Waajid, Berdale, Diinsoor, Xudur, Ceelbarde, and Qansax Dheere.
The commission also announced that 32 political organizations have been registered for the polls, bringing together a mix of newly established groups and existing political actors. Among those listed are Badbaado Bulsho, Barwaaqo, Justice and Salvation, Towfiiq, Han, Hannaan Qaran, and Iftiin Qaran.
According to the commission, the adoption of a one-person, one-vote system marks a key shift toward inclusive governance, giving citizens a more direct role in choosing their leaders.
The commission urged residents of South West State to participate fully in the electoral process, describing the vote as an important step in advancing Somalia’s broader democratic transition.
The announcement comes as preparations intensify ahead of the elections, which are being closely watched as a critical test of the country’s efforts to institutionalize democratic processes.