Southwest lawmakers to elect regional President amid tight security in Baidoa

Baidoa (HOL) — Southwest State lawmakers are expected to elect the region’s next president Wednesday in Baidoa, where authorities have imposed a curfew and tightened security ahead of the vote.

The election is being closely watched because its outcome could shape Southwest State’s political direction and its relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia.

It was not immediately clear whether their complaints over the electoral process had been resolved.

The candidates had earlier accused election officials of failing to adequately protect ballot secrecy and raised concerns that some lawmakers could be pressured to reveal whom they supported.