Voters Turn Out in Hirshabelle and Galmudug as One-Person, One-Vote Elections Begin

Beledweyne (WDN) — Voters turned out at polling stations across parts of Hirshabelle and Galmudug on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, casting ballots in simultaneous local council and regional assembly elections conducted under Somalia’s one-person, one-vote system.

In Hirshabelle, voters are electing members of the Hirshabelle House of Representatives as well as district and local council members. In Galmudug, voters are likewise casting ballots for the state assembly and local councils.

In Beledweyne, officials and residents joined voters at polling stations as the electoral process got underway. Hirshabelle deputy presidential candidate Abdifatah Hassan Afrah praised the turnout, describing public participation as an important step toward strengthening democratic participation, peace and social cohesion.

He said the one-person, one-vote system gives citizens a direct role in choosing representatives who will influence decisions affecting their communities and urged voters to maintain peace throughout the process.

Meanwhile, Liban Ahmed Hassan (Shuluq), a Galmudug leadership candidate from the JSP party, cast his ballot in Galkayo as voters across the state participated in the September 30 elections.

Liban praised voters for their participation, patience and long queues at polling stations despite the heat. He also congratulated the people of Hirshabelle for taking part in the vote, saying the two states were advancing Somalia’s transition toward direct elections.

He urged Galmudug residents who had not yet voted to go to polling stations while voting remained open and called for the elections in both states to conclude peacefully and with mutual respect.

The unilateral one-person, one-vote elections being pursued in Hirshabelle and Galmudug are little more than political theater, driven by President Hassan, with the outcome predetermined and preferred candidates already selected by Villa Somalia.

WardheerNews