JSP Secures 78 Seats in Hirshabelle Parliament

Jowhar, October 3, 2026 — The election of the Parliament of the Hirshabelle regional government has entered a new phase, following reports that the Justice and Unity Party (JSP) has secured 78 out of 99 seats in the Hirshabelle Parliament as announced by the election commission.

The number of seats won by JSP gives the party a significant majority in Parliament, with the President of Hirshabelle, Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe), being the JSP candidate for the leadership position.

On September 13, JSP officially announced Guudlaawe as its candidate for the Hirshabelle election.

If the result of the 78 seats remains as such, it gives JSP substantial parliamentary power when it comes to the election of the regional leader, with Guudlaawe being the party's candidate.

However, the election process has been marred by political disputes, particularly in the Hiiraan region. Politicians and traditional elders have called for the election to be based on a comprehensive political agreement, while some politicians from Hiiraan oppose holding the election in the current manner.

On the other hand, the federal government has recently insisted on transitioning the country to a one-person, one-vote electoral system, stating that political discussions are still ongoing.

The Hirshabelle election also comes at a time when a political agreement on the federal election process and administration has yet to be reached, with the government and the opposition having differing views on the electoral system, the managing institutions, and how to achieve a comprehensive political agreement.

Therefore, the Hirshabelle election has become closely linked to the political contest of the federal election, as the results coming from Jowhar may affect the political balance of the country while Somalia is preparing for federal level elections.