By Shire Abdi - Reporter
GALMUDUG (Dawan) – July 29, 2026 – More than 215,000 registered voters, 35 political organisations and 240 polling stations are set to shape the future political structure of Galmudug when the state holds its simultaneous elections on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
What makes the Galmudug election unique is that it represents a shift from a political system where decision-making power over leadership selection was largely held by politicians, delegates and traditional elders, toward a process where registered citizens directly choose their representatives through the ballot box.
For years, political positions in Somalia have often been shaped through indirect selection processes involving clan elders, political negotiations and appointed delegates. In Galmudug’s upcoming election, voters will instead decide who represents them at the district and state levels through direct voting.
The election will combine two separate votes held on the same day: the election of members of local councils in Galmudug districts and the election of members of the Galmudug State Assembly.
However, voters will not directly choose the president of Galmudug on Thursday. Instead, they will elect local representatives and lawmakers who will become the foundation of the state’s administration and political direction in the coming years.
According to the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), a total of 215,860 people registered to participate in the election across Mudug and Galgaduud regions.
Mudug recorded 116,590 registered voters, while Galgaduud recorded 99,270 voters. These voters will cast their ballots across 240 polling stations established throughout the state.
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The election preparations have included the transportation and distribution of ballot papers, ballot boxes and other electoral materials.
The materials were delivered to Dhusamareeb, the capital of Galmudug, before being distributed to other areas through coordination centres in Dhusamareeb and Galkayo.
This logistical process differs from the South West State elections, where security challenges required election materials to be transported by air.
A total of 35 political organisations are participating in the Galmudug election, with parties and groups competing for seats in local councils and the state assembly. In recent days, political organisations have held campaigns across different districts, with their flags and supporters visible at public gatherings.
Campaigning ended on Tuesday, July 28, while Wednesday was observed as a campaign-free day, allowing voters and candidates to prepare ahead of election day.
The election also differs from previous state-level contests because the current Galmudug president, Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor,” is not among the candidates competing. Unlike South West State, where the incumbent president was part of the electoral race, Galmudug’s process is focused first on establishing new legislative and local government structures that will shape the next phase of the state’s political transition.
The outcome of Thursday’s vote will therefore not only determine new local representatives and lawmakers but will also test Somalia’s efforts to expand direct elections and increase public participation in political decision-making.