South West State Registers Over 376,000 Voters As Polls Open Today

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has announced that more than 376,000 voters have been registered across South West State ahead of the regional elections scheduled for May 10, as political campaigns intensify across the federal member state.
In a statement released by the commission, voter registration was conducted in 13 districts and 91 registration centres in accordance with the country’s electoral laws and procedures established by the electoral body.
The commission said a total of 376,212 voters were successfully registered during the exercise.
Of the total registered voters, 164,716 were men, representing 44 percent, while 211,496 were women, accounting for 56 percent. The commission also recorded 4,781 persons with special needs, equivalent to 1.27 percent of the registered voters.
Baydhabo district recorded the highest number of registered voters with 95,399 people enrolled, followed by Marko with 42,936 and Afgooye with 37,729. Other districts covered in the exercise included Buur-Hakabo, Bardaale, Diinsoor, Qansaxdheere, Hudur, Waajid, Ceel-Barde, Baraawe, Wanlaweyn and Awdhegle.
The electoral body praised residents of South West State, regional authorities, political organisations, civil society groups and security agencies for their role in facilitating the voter registration process.
“The commission reaffirms its commitment to delivering transparent, free and fair elections in line with the Constitution and the laws of the country,” the statement said.
Campaigns Intensify Ahead of Polls
The announcement comes as political activity accelerates ahead of the May 10 elections, with candidates and political stakeholders stepping up campaigns across key towns in South West State.
The race has increasingly drawn the attention of senior federal government leaders and national political figures, reflecting the growing significance of the upcoming polls in Somalia’s broader political landscape.
Political meetings, mobilisation drives and consultations have intensified in Baydhabo and other districts in recent weeks, amid heightened competition among rival camps seeking to consolidate support before voting begins.
The elections are expected to serve as a major political test for both regional and federal leaders, particularly as Somalia continues efforts to expand direct electoral participation and transition toward broader democratic processes after decades of indirect voting systems.