Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Jubaland State is set to hold its parliamentary and presidential elections next week, according to the regional Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The commission announced that it would submit the list of 75 members of the regional parliament on November 18 and 19. Candidates for the parliamentary leadership will deliver speeches on November 21, coinciding with the submission of applications for the state presidency.
Presidential candidates will present their platforms on November 24, with the election for Jubaland's President scheduled for November 25.
Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), who has led Jubaland since its inception in 2013, is expected to run for re-election. The Somali Federal Government, however, has strongly opposed Jubaland's move to hold independent elections. Instead, it has urged the region to comply with the one-year extension agreed upon during the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in October, which proposed synchronized elections across all Federal Member States next year.
Jubaland State, alongside Puntland State, rejected the NCC agreement, citing its lack of inclusivity. Jubaland has accused the Federal Government of undermining the fight against Al-Shabaab in light of the escalating tensions over the electoral process.
As the election approaches, all eyes are on Jubaland to see how the process unfolds amidst the ongoing conflict with the Federal Government.
