South West State Elections Begin with 394 Parliamentary and 1,297 Local Council Candidates

BAIDOA: The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has announced that more than 376,000 voters have been registered across South West State ahead of the regional elections scheduled for May 10, as 394 parliamentary candidates and 1,297 local council aspirants prepare to contest the polls. The elections mark a significant step in Somalia’s transition toward direct democratic participation.

According to a commission statement released from Baidoa, voter registration took place across 13 districts and 91 registration centers in accordance with the electoral laws and procedures set by the electoral authority. The commission reported that 376,212 voters were successfully registered during the process. Among the registered voters, 164,716 were men (44 percent) and 211,496 were women (56 percent). The commission also documented 4,781 individuals with special needs, comprising 1.27 percent of the total registered voters.

Baydhabo district recorded the highest registration with 95,399 voters, followed by Marka with 42,936 and Afgooye with 37,729. Other districts where voter registration took place include Buur-Hakabo, Bardaale, Diinsoor, Qansaxdheere, Hudur, Waajid, Ceel-Barde, Baraawe, Wanlaweyn and Awdhegle. The electoral authority commended residents of South West State, regional authorities, political organizations, civil society groups and security agencies for facilitating the voter registration process.

The commission has published the official list of polling stations for the elections, designating a wide range of schools, health centers, and public halls as voting venues across all districts of the regional state. The NIEBC has stated that it “reaffirms its commitment to conducting transparent, free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution and national laws.”

Candidates and Political Organizations Enter the Race

Somalia’s electoral process entered a significant new phase on Saturday as elections officially opened in South West State, where 394 parliamentary candidates have been cleared to contest seats in the regional House of Representatives. The commission announced that 15 political organizations will participate in the parliamentary elections, with the candidate list including 322 male candidates and 72 female candidates.

The electoral body also confirmed the launch of local council elections across the 13 districts, with 18 political organizations taking part. A total of 1,297 candidates are contesting the local council seats, including 1,022 men and 275 women. The commission stated that all candidate registration and verification procedures were conducted in accordance with Somalia’s National Elections Law and the commission’s established regulations.

This announcement follows increasing political activity ahead of the May 10 elections, with candidates and political stakeholders expanding campaigns throughout South West State’s key towns. The competition has attracted the attention of senior federal government officials and national political figures, highlighting the growing importance of these elections in Somalia’s wider political context. Political meetings, mobilization efforts and consultations have increased in Baydhabo and other districts recently, as competing groups work to secure support before voting commences.

The Interim Leader of South West State, H.E. Jibril Abdiraashid Haji, has met with NIEBC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan to finalize electoral arrangements, with both sides emphasizing the need for a free, fair, and transparent process that would contribute to political stability and enhance public confidence. The NIEBC has confirmed the May 10 polling date and announced that the election would proceed as planned under a “one person, one vote” model.

Polls Open Amid Political Transition

Voting activities officially commenced on Sunday in parts of South West State, with authorities expected to issue further updates on turnout, logistics, and security as the exercise progresses. The opening of elections in South West comes at a politically sensitive moment as Somalia continues debates over its electoral model and the country’s democratic transition ahead of upcoming federal political timelines. The process is being closely watched by political stakeholders, civil society groups, and international partners as one of the first large-scale attempts to operationalize a broader political party-based electoral framework within a federal member state.

These elections are anticipated to be a significant political test for regional and federal leaders, especially as Somalia strives to expand direct electoral participation and move toward more democratic processes following years of indirect voting systems. The NIEBC has called on political organizations, candidates, the media, and the public to uphold transparency, security, and confidence throughout the electoral process.

Security measures have been heightened in Baidoa and other districts, with additional personnel deployed and enhanced controls implemented to ensure a safe voting environment. The federal government has enacted a nighttime curfew in Baidoa, prohibiting civilians from carrying weapons in the city during evening hours, with exceptions for authorized security personnel.