Somalia: South West State Candidates Warn of Vote Rigging as Tensions Rise

BAIDOA, Somalia — Pressure is building in Somalia’s South West State as leading presidential contenders accuse rivals of preparing to manipulate the vote, warning they will reject any outcome they believe is tainted by fraud.

In remarks to reporters late Tuesday, candidate Ilyaas Ali Nuur singled out his opponent, Aden Madobe, saying any win for Madobe under the current setup would amount to nothing less than a “theft” of the electoral process.

“If the results of the South West election are not what we expect, we will step aside and distance ourselves from the outcome,” Nuur said, hinting at a boycott if the contest is not handled transparently.

That alarm was echoed by another contender, seasoned politician Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, who said he remained open to working with the eventual winner — but only if the process is credible and free of manipulation.

“We will not accept the results or any manipulation of the vote,” he told the press. “However, if the outcome is verified and credible, we will work with whoever is elected.”

The warnings underscore a growing political showdown in South West State, where candidates say they fear the federal government in Mogadishu is trying to control the outcome. Claims that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s party is being lined up to secure most of the regional parliamentary seats have deepened distrust and sharpened tensions.

For observers, the Baidoa dispute has become a test case for Somalia’s wider democratic credentials, with opposition figures saying federal meddling could further unsettle an already fragile security environment.

With the election drawing closer, attention is now fixed on whether a deal can still be struck to keep the transition peaceful and the ballot process credible.

AXADLETM