President Mohamud Hails Voters After Galmudug, Hirshabelle Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised voters who took part in Wednesday’s elections in Somalia’s Galmudug and Hirshabelle states, describing the polls as an important stage in the country’s transition towards direct voting.

The president said voters in Mudug, Galguduud, Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle had turned out peacefully to elect members of the state assemblies and local councils.

He thanked the thousands of citizens who cast their ballots, saying public participation was central to strengthening political representation and democratic institutions.

President Mohamud also commended Somali security forces for securing polling centres and said the elections had taken place in a peaceful and stable environment.

The polls were held across 21 districts, with voting taking place in 10 districts in Hirshabelle and 11 in Galmudug, according to the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The Galmudug vote was a repeat election after the Supreme Court annulled the results of the July 30 poll over administrative irregularities.

The president said the elections reflected what he described as the public’s desire for more inclusive governance and a political system based on direct participation.

The simultaneous polls are part of Somalia’s broader transition from indirect electoral arrangements towards a one-person, one-vote system, with the process expected to shape the country’s wider electoral landsca