Somalia: Galmudug Rejects President’s Party Attempt to Establish District Offices

GALMUDUG, Somalia — Galmudug regional state authorities have rejected attempts by the ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) to establish party offices and appoint representatives in districts within the state, calling the move illegal and outside established political party regulations.

The disputed appointments, reportedly made on Sunday, named Abdimanan Mohamed Osman as JSP’s representative for Galkayo in Mudug region and Ali Ahmed for Adado in Galgadud region.

Galmudug’s Ministry of Interior said the appointments had no legal basis and emphasised that the state is finalising guidelines that will govern how political parties participate in elections, especially at the local council level. The ministry vowed to investigate those responsible, describing the actions as “unlawful.”

The ruling party, led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and including senior figures such as Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor, is facing heightened scrutiny over the attempted appointments as JSP wants to rig the election.

Political parties planning to contest the upcoming elections have been instructed to wait until official procedures are approved by the Galmudug Ministry of Interior and the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC).

The disputed election body - NIEBC, has previously called on Federal Member States to allow registered political parties to open offices within their territories.

— GAROWE ONLINE