South West State Sets June Election Dates For Speaker and Regional President

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has announced a timetable for the election of the Speaker of the South West State House of Representatives and the President of South West State, setting the stage for a key political process in one of the country’s federal member states.

According to the schedule released by the Commission, the submission of candidacy applications for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the South West State House of Representatives will take place from June 2 to June 3, alongside the publication of the final list of eligible candidates.

Candidates seeking the Speakership will deliver their campaign speeches on June 4 before lawmakers vote to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers on the same day.

The electoral process will then shift to the leadership of the South West State Administration. Applications for candidates seeking the presidency of the state will be received from June 5 to June 6, while the official list of approved candidates is expected to be published on June 7.

Presidential candidates will present their manifestos and campaign speeches before members of the regional parliament on June 8, ahead of the election scheduled for June 10.

The announcement marks another milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance and institutional development at both federal and state levels.

The Federal Government has in recent years emphasized the importance of regular electoral processes, constitutional governance and cooperation between federal institutions and member states as part of broader state-building reforms.

South West State, which comprises the regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle, is one of Somalia’s most politically significant federal member states and plays a crucial role in the country’s governance and security architecture.

The elections come at a time when Somalia is pursuing wider political reforms, including preparations for expanded electoral participation and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions across the country. Authorities say the electoral timetable is designed to ensure an orderly, transparent and credible process in accordance with established legal and constitutional procedures.

Political observers will be closely watching the outcome of the elections, which are expected to shape the future direction of governance and development priorities in South West State.