Latest news on the elections starting in HirShabelle and Galmudug

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – Today, elections for the House of Representatives and Local Councils have begun in the regions of HirShabelle and Galmudug, as citizens flocked to polling stations this morning to elect their representatives.

The Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission, Cabdikariin Axmed Xasan, who is in Dhuusamareeb, officially opened these elections, with Galmudug being a repeat and HirShabelle holding its first direct elections.

Cabdikariin Axmed Xasan announced that elections in HirShabelle will take place in 10 districts, while Galmudug is planned for up to 11 districts, where thousands of staff have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

Additionally, the overall security in the cities of Galmudug and HirShabelle has been significantly tightened, with restrictions on the movement of vehicles in both administrations to prevent any disruption to the election security.

Key cities under close observation include Beledweyne, where there is a strong tension, and a curfew was imposed this morning, with additional troops also seen deployed to the designated polling areas.

The overall situation in both administrations is currently stable, and the results of these elections are awaited, with several political parties competing.

Galmudug is expected to see a change, 'with Liibaan Axmed Xasan emerging' backed by Villa Somalia, while HirShabelle is again predicted 'to be led by Cali Guudlaawe', who is also receiving significant support from Federal Government leaders.

However, similar elections have previously taken place in South West, with leader Sheikh Aadan Madoobe being elected, although this change has sparked new tensions within the administration, and the situation has turned into a constant conflict between government forces and those loyal to former president Cabdicasiis Lafta-gareen.