Somali speaker wins Southwest State presidency after rival withdraws
The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that Madobe won 88 votes. Abdiasis Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari, his remaining rival, received one vote, and one ballot was ruled invalid.
Wednesday June 10, 2026
Baidoa (AX) — Somalia’s Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe secured the presidency of Southwest State on Wednesday in a vote in Baidoa that unfolded after a leading contender pulled out, citing alleged election irregularities.
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The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that Madobe won 88 votes. Abdiasis Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari, his remaining rival, received one vote, and one ballot was ruled invalid.
Ninety members of the Southwest House of Representatives attended the election session.
Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, a former president of Southwest State and one of the race’s most prominent names, withdrew before voting began. He accused the electoral commission and regional authorities of breaking arrangements meant to safeguard ballot secrecy and the credibility of the contest.
At a news conference, Sharif Hassan said the candidates, the electoral commission and the acting president had agreed that lawmakers would not carry mobile phones into the election hall.
He said that understanding was ignored and argued that the election could no longer be considered trustworthy.
Madobe’s move into a regional executive role is expected to cost him his post as speaker of the House of the People, since Somalia’s constitutional rules prohibit holding both offices at the same time.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Madobe on his victory and wished him well as he takes Southwest State into what the president described as a new chapter of governance and development.
Mohamud urged the incoming administration to reinforce national unity, encourage social cohesion and push forward peace, development and state-building efforts.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also offered congratulations, saying the vote reflected progress in Somalia’s electoral process and broader political development.
Hamza praised the members of the Southwest State Parliament for fulfilling their duties and said the new leadership should prioritize stability, public services and cooperation with federal institutions.
The result is expected to influence Southwest State’s political trajectory and its ties with the Federal Government of Somalia.
