Somalia’s Southwest State Holds Direct Elections as Opposition Boycotts Vote
Sunday May 10, 2026
Baidoa (AX) — Somalia’s Southwest State opened a new chapter in its political history on Sunday as voters went to the polls for direct elections to choose members of the regional House of Representatives and district councils, a significant break from the country’s entrenched indirect voting system.
The ballot was being conducted in 13 districts across Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said 376,212 voters had registered to take part,…