Southwest Leader, Election Chief Meet in Baidoa to Push Poll Plans

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: The interim leader of Southwest State, Jibriil Abdirashid Haji, held talks with Somalia’s electoral chief Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan in Baidoa on Monday, focusing on accelerating election preparations in the region.

The meeting, held at the presidential palace, brought together officials from the regional administration and the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission to review progress and coordination on upcoming polls.

Both sides emphasised the need for a transparent and credible electoral process as Somalia works to advance democratic reforms and strengthen state institutions.

Haji praised the commission’s efforts and reiterated his administration’s support for initiatives aimed at delivering free and fair elections. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation to advance key electoral plans and governance priorities.

The talks come amid renewed efforts by Somalia’s federal government to move toward broader suffrage after years of indirect voting, with state-level processes seen as a critical step in the transition.

Southwest State has in recent months been at the centre of political tensions, including disagreements with Mogadishu over electoral timelines and governance arrangements, raising concerns about the pace and inclusiveness of the process.

Baidoa, a strategic administrative hub in southwestern Somalia, remains central to these efforts as authorities seek to balance security challenges with political reforms ahead of planned elections.