Elections in Galmudug and Hirshabelle: The Test of the People and the Vote of Somalia

The citizens living in Galmudug and Hirshabelle have today headed to polling stations to vote for candidates for local councils and the parliaments of the two regional governments.

The elections are taking place across 23 districts: 11 districts in Galmudug and 12 districts in Hirshabelle. The districts in Hirshabelle are divided into six located in the Hiiraan region and six in the Middle Shabelle.

These elections are among the major steps for Somalia to transition from an indirect electoral system to a process where citizens directly elect their representatives.

The first point is the power given to the people. For a long time, the leadership of Somalia has been selected through political agreements, traditional elders, and limited delegations. Today's election gives citizens the opportunity to decide with their vote who represents them.

The second point is the authority of the Electoral Commission. Managing two elections simultaneously across 23 districts tests the registration of voters, distribution of materials, preparation of staff, security of polling places, and counting of votes.

The third point is the lesson from Galmudug. The previous election was annulled by the Supreme Court following complaints about the management process. The repeat election shows that electoral disputes can be resolved through courts and law, rather than turning into political violence.

The fourth point is security and political participation. The confidence in the elections will depend on the safety of voters, the freedom of polling places, and ensuring that parties, women, youth, internally displaced persons, and local communities have equal opportunities.

The fifth point is the acceptance of the results. A reliable election does not end on the voting day; it is important that the counting of votes is transparent, complaints are addressed through a legal process, and the competing parties peacefully accept the results.

The elections in Galmudug and Hirshabelle provide Somalia with an experience to test the electoral institutions, security, courts, and public participation. True success is not only about who wins, but it is that the citizen's vote becomes the basis for selecting the country's leadership.