Somali region ruling party launches election campaign with eastern Ethiopia rallies

Sunday May 10, 2026

Jigjiga (AX) — The Somali Regional State in Ethiopia has kicked off campaigning for its seventh regional and national elections, with the ruling Barwaqo Party drawing large crowds to rallies across several towns and districts on Saturday.

Across the region, thousands of supporters filled public squares, brandishing flags and banners as party candidates began courting voters for both local and federal parliamentary seats.

In Dhahaxbuur, Somali Regional State President Mustafa Muhumed Omar spoke at a major rally and pressed voters to back the Barwaqo Party, arguing that the administration had delivered tangible results while in office.

“Yesterday we won; the Barwaqo Party won, and the people won. Tomorrow we will win, so vote for the party,” Mustafa told supporters in Dhagaxbuur.

The launch signals the opening of a crucial political stretch in the Somali Regional State, where the ruling party is aiming to strengthen its base in urban centers, border communities and rural areas alike.

In Feerfeer district, in the Shabelle region, a sizable crowd turned out for another rally in support of Barwaqo Party contenders seeking seats at both the regional and federal levels. Supporters waved campaign banners and voiced their backing for the candidates.

Meanwhile, in Qorraxay region, the campaign began in Shilaabo district, where Barwaqo Party candidates set out their development plans and urged residents to participate in the election. They called on the public to rally behind the party’s agenda.

A separate gathering was also held in Godey, one of the Shabelle region’s key towns, where residents came out in support of Barwaqo Party candidates.

Campaigning continued in Daawa region as well, where Barwaqo Party candidates visited several districts, including Moyale, Ley and Qadadumo, before making their way to Mubarak district.

There, the candidates were received by local residents, party supporters and senior regional officials. Among those present for the welcome were the deputy speaker of the regional House of Representatives, ministers and other administration officials.

Residents greeted the candidates on the outskirts of Mubarak and escorted them into the district, where party officials later held campaign events with members of the community.

The Barwaqo Party is expected to keep staging rallies across the Somali Regional State as its candidates continue seeking support ahead of the vote.