Somalia President’s JSP Party Wins Landslide in Galmudug Elections, Boosting Liban Shuluq’s Presidential Bid
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) has secured a decisive victory in Galmudug’s local council elections, strengthening the ruling party’s grip on the regional state and positioning businessman Liban Ahmed Hassan, known as “Shuluq,” as the leading contender for the presidency.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) has secured a commanding victory in Galmudug’s local council elections, consolidating its political influence in central Somalia and significantly strengthening the prospects of businessman and political heavyweight Liban Ahmed Hassan, widely known as “Shuluq,” to become the region’s next president.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) announced the final results on Sunday, confirming that JSP won 63 of the 189 contested local council seats after receiving 135,247 votes out of 193,451 valid ballots cast across Galmudug.
The Reconciliation and Development (Towfiiq) party finished a distant second with 26,003 votes and secured 12 seats. Sincad won six seats, while Karaama claimed five. The remaining seats were distributed among other political organizations contesting the polls.
The outcome marks another milestone in Somalia’s efforts to replace its traditional indirect clan-based electoral model with one-person, one-vote elections as part of broader democratic reforms championed by the federal government.
The results also position Liban Ahmed Hassan as the clear frontrunner to succeed incumbent Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor.” His nomination by the ruling JSP is widely seen as reflecting the confidence and backing of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, giving him a significant political advantage ahead of the regional presidential election.
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Liban is regarded as one of the most influential businessmen in central Somalia. He built his fortune through the lucrative miraa (khat) trade between Kenya and Somalia before emerging as a major political financier and entrepreneur with growing influence in Mogadishu.
He has also become known for his role in the campaign against al-Shabaab. During military operations in central Somalia, Liban mobilized clan militias and financed fighters from his own resources, supplying fuel, food, vehicle spare parts and ammunition to forces operating alongside the Somali National Army. His ability to organize and sustain local forces earned him a place among President Hassan Sheikh’s closest political allies.
Supporters describe Liban as a decisive leader willing to take risks in business and politics, while critics argue his growing influence reflects the increasing role wealthy businessmen play in Somalia’s regional politics.
Political observers say the upcoming presidential contest could resemble the recent South West State election, where the ruling party’s preferred candidate secured victory after leading opposition figures boycotted the process. Several opposition candidates in Galmudug are also expected to boycott the election, citing concerns that the electoral commission lacks independence and impartiality.
Although the Commission has not responded publicly to those allegations, JSP’s landslide victory significantly reshapes Galmudug’s political landscape and further strengthens President Hassan Sheikh’s influence over another federal member state as Somalia advances its broader electoral reform agenda.
About the Author
Aden Warsame is a Senior Reporter at Somali Report, covering politics, security, diplomacy, business, and regional affairs across Somalia and the Horn of Africa.