MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, Speaker of Somalia’s federal parliament, was elected President of Southwest State on Wednesday after securing 88 votes in a regional parliamentary election that opposition figures described as predetermined and lacking credibility.
Wararka Soomaaliya
Madobe defeated rival candidate Abdiasis Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, who received one vote, while former Southwest State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan boycotted the election altogether, arguing that the outcome had effectively been decided before voting began.
The election marks a major political development in Somalia’s Southwest State, a strategically important federal member state that has been at the center of growing political tensions, armed conflict and disputes over governance.
Opposition Challenges Legitimacy of Southwest State Election
Faahfaahinta
Soon after the results were announced, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan dismissed the election as a sham and accused authorities of overseeing a process that offered no genuine competition.
The former regional president said he initially sought to participate in the race despite concerns raised by opposition groups over transparency and fairness. However, he later withdrew and boycotted the vote, arguing that the electoral process had become meaningless.
Invoking a phrase made famous during Somalia’s early post-independence political era, Sharif Hassan questioned what he described as a predetermined outcome, saying: “Why should we choose a man who has already been chosen?”
Saamaynta
Opposition politicians have long argued that the Federal Government of Somalia exercised overwhelming influence over the Southwest State election, allegations government officials have not yet publicly addressed.
Federal Government Influence Dominates Political Debate
Madobe entered the contest while still serving as Speaker of Somalia’s parliament and was widely viewed as the preferred candidate of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
