Supporters Rally Behind JSP Candidate Ahead of Galmudug Local Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Supporters of Libaan Ahmed Hassan, the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) candidate seeking the leadership of Somalia’s Galmudug state, held a campaign gathering in the regional capital of Dhuusamareeb on Sunday as preparations continue for the state’s planned one-person, one-vote elections.

The event drew members of both houses of Somalia’s federal parliament, federal and Galmudug state ministers, regional officials and representatives from various sections of society, according to organisers.

Speakers at the rally praised what they described as growing public engagement in the electoral process and encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully and in large numbers when polling takes place.

The gathering comes as Galmudug advances preparations for local elections under Somalia’s gradual transition toward universal suffrage, a process that has received backing from the federal government but has also faced criticism from some opposition politicians over the pace of implementation and the level of political consensus.

Galmudug authorities have been undertaking voter registration and civic awareness campaigns in recent months as part of efforts to organise the vote. The elections are viewed as an important test of Somalia’s broader electoral reforms after decades in which most public offices were filled through indirect, clan-based voting arrangements.

Somalia has been working to expand democratic participation while simultaneously confronting security challenges posed by the Al Shabaab militant group. International partners have repeatedly said that credible and inclusive elections are essential for strengthening governance and long-term stability across the Horn of Africa.