Kismayo(Mogadishu24)- Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has on Thursday announced that the regional state will proceed with indirect elections for both its Parliament and the Presidency, citing frustrations with the Federal Government's handling of national electoral processes.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between Jubaland and Mogadishu, particularly over what Madobe described as efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to engineer a tailored election model to secure his re-election.
In an exclusive report by Mogadishu 24, President Madobe’s key talking points from his meeting with the council of ministers revealed his deep concerns about the Federal Government’s intentions. He accused the leadership in Mogadishu of deliberately blocking progress on electoral reforms and creating an election model designed to keep them in power.
"Public elections where the people of Somalia can choose their leaders have been a cherished dream for years. However, the Federal Government, under President Hassan Sheikh, is working to create an election model tailored to his advantage, ensuring his re-election by manipulating the system," Madobe stated, as reported by Mogadishu 24.
The announcement follows the collapse of the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, where attempts to establish a clear roadmap for national elections failed.
Disagreements between regional leaders and the Federal Government, particularly over the election timeline, led to the breakdown of talks. Madobe, among the regional leaders voicing opposition, accused Hassan Sheikh of pushing for public elections within an unrealistic timeframe, a move Madobe argues is designed to facilitate the president’s continued grip on power.
Madobe highlighted the extensive work required to ensure proper elections and argued that holding direct elections within the next year is not feasible. Jubaland will, therefore, move forward with indirect elections in line with its constitutional obligations, avoiding any potential delays or term extensions.
"The Federal Government has failed to address critical national challenges, including ensuring security and fostering national reconciliation," Madobe said. "Given this inaction and the President’s attempts to engineer an election model for his re-election, Federal Member States, including Jubaland, must oppose any such hidden agendas."
Jubaland’s commitment to proceeding with indirect elections reflects the increasing political rift between regional states and the Federal Government. Madobe reaffirmed that Jubaland will adhere to its constitutional duties, ensuring that parliamentary and presidential elections in the state proceed as planned, without falling into the trap of term extensions.
The exclusive revelations from Mogadishu 24 further highlight Madobe’s accusations and concerns regarding President Hassan Sheikh's intentions, pointing to an ongoing struggle over Somalia's electoral future that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s governance and stability.