North Western State of Somalia Votes: A Crucial Turning Point in Leadership Selection

Hargeisa (Axadle) – In a much-talked-about election, citizens of North Western State of Somalia are making their way to the polls today, eager to choose their leader for the next half-decade. The presidential showdown features a trio of heavy hitters: current President Muse Bihi from the Kulmiye Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” representing the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party.

In tandem with the presidential race, another critical vote is happening to identify the three certified political parties of North Western State of Somalia. A whopping ten political outfits are jostling to secure at least 20% of the total votes from across the five regions of North Western State of Somalia. Those meeting this benchmark will gain status as bona fide political parties, unlocking eligibility for future electoral bouts.

Voters face the task of filling out two distinct ballots: one to name their choice for president, and the other to pick among the ten political factions vying for official recognition.

The wave of public curiosity and dialogue around the election is mounting, with many pundits pointing toward Abdirahman Cirro, Waddani’s torchbearer, as a likely leader. Cirro’s campaign caught fire following an enthusiastic nod of approval from Vice President Abdirahman Abdullahi Ismail “Saylici” just as the campaign drew to a close. This endorsement has delivered a political dent to President Muse Bihi, who has shepherded North Western State of Somalia through the last five years.

The tenure of President Bihi has been embroiled in a significant skirmish in Las Anod, Sool region, where afterward, his forces pulled back after fierce confrontations. In this year’s election, regions like Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn are off the voting map, a fact acknowledged by officials from North Western State of Somalia’s election commission to Axadle.

This election is painted as a transformative event for North Western State of Somalia’s political trajectory, carrying possible ripples for the wider Somali region. Initial outcomes, set to roll in later tonight, depend on the tallies being gathered for both the presidential contenders and political organizations at polling stations.

Axadle