Somali Minister Accuses HirShabelle State Leader of Undermining National Election Plan

Ali Balcad, state minister for foreign affairs [L] and Ali Guudlaawe, HirShabelle state leader [R] - FILE

Mogadishu, Somalia, July 6  – Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has denounced an indirect election held in Balcad, a district in the Hirshabelle State, branding it a violation of the country’s legal and electoral framework.

In a statement posted on social media, Minister Ali Omar [Ali Balcad] said the vote ignored prior agreements and procedures approved by Somalia’s federal legislative bodies. He accused Hirshabelle President Cali Guudlaawe of organizing an out-of-term election rather than aligning with national efforts toward a one-person, one-vote system.

“The election in Balcad is unlawful and undermines the federal electoral roadmap,” Ali Balcad said, warning that such actions could inflame clan tensions and disrupt local stability.

Ali Balcad, a strong supporter of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s electoral reform agenda, contrasted Gudlawe’s approach with that of other federal member states. He noted that leaders in Galmudug and Southwest State are actively engaged in voter registration and preparation for nationwide elections.

The minister warned that unilateral moves like those in Balcad risk inflaming clan tensions and destabilizing otherwise peaceful communities.

The minister’s remarks highlight mounting concerns over the balance of power between Somalia’s federal government, based in Villa Somalia, and its member states, amid ongoing efforts to centralize and standardize the electoral process.

There was no immediate comment from Hirshabelle officials.

GAROWE ONLINE