By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Balad (Dawan Africa) – The election of the new mayor for the Balad District Council has sparked a political dispute between the Federal Government of Somalia and Hirshabelle, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the region. The dispute emerged following the mayoral vote held on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
The Balad District Council, composed of 21 members, re-elected Qasim Ali Nuur as mayor with 20 votes in his favor. The process follows Somalia's indirect electoral system, where council members—chosen by local clans—elect the mayor, who also serves as the council's chairperson.
Balad is one of four districts in Hirshabele with functioning local councils, alongside Warsheek, Jowhar, and Mahadaay.
Shortly after the vote, Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar Balad, criticized the election, claiming it violated the agreements made by the National Consultative Council (NCC) and laws ratified by parliament. “Today's election in Balcad has violated the previous agreements made by the NCC and the laws approved by the national parliament,” he wrote on Facebook.
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The minister urged Hirshabele’s leadership to focus on preparing for the national elections under the one-person, one-vote framework instead of supporting local elections he described as divisive.
Hirshabele President Ali Gudlawe is among the signatories of the NCC agreement that mandates a shift toward direct elections, and preparations are underway for voter registration across Hirshabele.
In response, the Director of Communications at the Hirshabele Presidency defended the process, stating that local elections fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government of Hirshabele.
This dispute arises just as the region prepares for the upcoming national elections, which will be overseen by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
