Baidoa Hosts Key Talks On South West Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: South West State authorities and Somalia’s electoral commission have stepped up consultations on preparations for upcoming regional elections, amid ongoing efforts to advance the country’s one-person, one-vote process.

Interim South West leader Jibril Abdiraashid Haji met Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, head of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, in Baidoa on Thursday following the commission delegation’s arrival in the city.

The talks focused on logistical and political preparations for the elections, with both sides emphasizing the importance of conducting the polls on schedule and ensuring equal treatment for all political stakeholders.

Haji said credible and lawful elections would play a key role in strengthening political stability and public confidence in democratic institutions.

The electoral commission chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent and inclusive process as Somalia continues to expand voter registration and electoral preparations across several federal member states.

The meeting comes as Somalia accelerates efforts toward universal suffrage after decades of indirect voting, with electoral activities already underway in parts of South West State and other regions.