Somali President Seeks Elders’ Support for Direct Elections in South West

By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter

Somalia, 6 April 2026 - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has sought the support of traditional elders in South West state to advance plans for direct “one person, one vote” elections, the presidency said on Sunday.

Mohamud, accompanied by interim South West leader Jibriil Abdirashid Haji, met with traditional elders in Baidoa, where discussions focused on peacebuilding, state-building and accelerating the country’s democratisation process.

The president urged elders to play an active role in supporting the implementation of direct elections, stressing that public participation is essential for legitimising the system.

“He emphasised the importance of elders mobilising communities to take part in one-person, one-vote elections,” the presidency said in a statement.

Elders, who play an influential role in Somali society, are often involved in mediating disputes and addressing community-level political issues.

South West State Inaugurates EU-Funded Sports Ground.

Stoppage-Time McBurnie Strike Sends Hull City Back to the Premier League

The meeting also touched on drought relief, strengthening state institutions in South West, and efforts to combat Islamist militant groups.

According to the presidency, the elders welcomed the visit and expressed support for the federal government’s plan to introduce direct elections, pledging to help raise public awareness.

The National Independent Electoral Commission has recently said it plans to hold two-tier direct elections in South West State within this month, covering local councils and the regional parliamentary assembly.

President Mohamud’s government has in recent times sought to move away from an indirect electoral system based on clan-based delegates, although challenges remain, including security concerns and political disagreements.