By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
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Somalia, 7 April, 2026 Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Tuesday declared Ports and Maritime Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur House of People parliamentary seat winner, following an indirect election held in Baidoa.
The commission said the seat was vacant and that Nur was elected after his opponent, Abdirizaq Abdullahi, withdrew from the race. The vote was conducted through clan elders and selected delegates, in line with Somalia’s indirect electoral system.
The election took place in Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of South West State, which has recently experienced political tension and realignment.
However the commission’s declaration immediately drew opposition from Isaaq Ali Subag, who said he previously held the seat, arguing that the seat was not vacant and alleging political interference. He said in a WhatsApp post shared with members of parliament and in comments to local media that he had been removed from his position.
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There was no immediate response from the electoral commission or other officials regarding the allegations.
Nur thanked clan elders, religious leaders, and supporters following the announcement, pledging to serve the public interest at both national and regional levels.
Minister Abdulkadir, who previously served as Minister of Defence and is currently the Minister of Ports, is considered one of the close allies of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The development comes as Somalia’s indirect electoral system continues to face criticism over transparency and recurring accusations of political interference, particularly in contested parliamentary seats.