Jubaland Elects New Leaders Amid Escalating Political Tensions in Somalia
Jubaland’s Political Dilemmas: Independent Elections and the Pushback from Mogadishu
Kismayo (AX)— Thursday was a pivotal day for Jubaland’s parliament as it undertook the task of electing its new leaders, including a parliamentary speaker and two deputy speakers. This process involves candidates detailing their visions, followed by a vote, and concluding with swearing in the new victors. These elections are a significant milestone leading up to the presidential election scheduled for November 25, marking a meticulous advance in Jubaland’s electoral timetable, despite stiff opposition from the federal level.
The head of the Jubaland Boundary and Electoral Commission, Dr. Mursal Siyad Mohamed, assures that preparations are proceeding as expected. “Such elections play a crucial role in ensuring stability and continuity in the governance of Jubaland,” he stated confidently, shrugging off federal disapproval as mere political maneuvering.
From the capital, Mogadishu has voiced strong objections against Jubaland’s choice to hold its independent elections. They underscore the importance of a cohesive national electoral process, ideally regulated by a central commission. The federal government’s view is clear: a straightforward one-person, one-vote system is essential in reinforcing responsibility and unity at the national level.
Meanwhile, alarm bells are ringing among Somalia’s international allies, as they express increasing concern about the potential fallout from the mounting friction between Somalia’s Federal Government and the state of Jubaland. These partners are urgently calling for tempers to cool and a return to meaningful discussions.
However, in a firm stance, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, more popularly known as Ahmed Madobe, believes the federal government is encroaching too far. Earlier this year, Madobe appointed a separate electoral commission, which was met with federal disapproval, branding it unconstitutional due to Madobe’s mandate having expired. In response, Jubaland distanced itself from the federal government, alleging it was undermining regional self-rule and not offering support to crucial security measures.
Experts in political science emphasize that this election disagreement is but the tip of a deeper struggle over the power-sharing dynamics between Somalia’s federal system and its member states. “It’s not solely about the elections,” comments Mohamed Mukhtar, a seasoned political analyst. “It’s about the fundamental demarcations of federal versus regional powers—a longstanding governance conundrum in Somalia.”
Jubaland’s officials have consistently rebuffed the practicality of implementing a one-person, one-vote system, citing the lingering security hindrances. President Madobe is equally dismissive of extending regional leader terms, accusing Mogadishu of using electoral reform talks to recentralize power.
This impasse echoes historical challenges, reminiscent of the contentious presidential election in Jubaland in 2019 where Madobe was re-elected amid protests from the federal authorities. Attempts by Kenya and other influential mediators to break the deadlock have seen limited success.
Observers speculate that under Madobe’s experienced leadership, Jubaland is poised to hold onto its independence, as it has managed in previous altercations with the federal establishment. “Madobe has skillfully maneuvered past federal pushbacks time and again,” Mukhtar noted with a nod to the president’s tactical acumen.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring