Ali Guudlawe has been re-elected as Hirshabelle president after securing 81 votes in a regional parliamentary election in Jowhar, extending his leadership for another five-year term.
JOWHAR (Somali Report) — Hirshabelle state President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe was re-elected on Saturday for another five-year term, winning a parliamentary vote in the regional capital, Jowhar, amid wider political tensions over Somalia’s electoral process.
Guudlawe secured 81 votes in the election, defeating rival candidate Nur Ilmi Halane of the Ramaas party, who received 13 votes, according to Hirshabelle parliament speaker Abdihakim Luqmaan.
A total of 98 lawmakers participated in the vote, with four ballots declared invalid, Luqmaan said.
Guudlawe’s re-election extends the leadership of a president whose administration has maintained close ties with Somalia’s federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The incumbent is also a senior figure in the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), which has played a prominent role in the political landscape of Somalia’s federal government and its member states.
His victory had been widely anticipated, with the federal government seen as wielding considerable influence over political developments in Hirshabelle and other regional administrations.
The election took place as Somalia faces growing disagreements over constitutional changes, the organisation of upcoming elections and the distribution of political authority between the federal government and regional states.
Voting for the position of Hirshabelle vice-president was also held on Saturday, with Abdifitah Hassan Afrah, representing the JSP, competing against Abdifitah Bashir Mohamed of the Iftiin Qaran party won the race.
Afrah was a strong contender, having received the JSP’s nomination to contest the position.
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The outcome of the regional presidential election is expected to shape the political balance within the regional administration as it begins a new term.
Hirshabelle, established in 2016, is one of Somalia’s federal member states and comprises the regions of Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan. Its capital, Jowhar, lies about 90 kilometres north of Mogadishu.
Guudlawe’s re-election follows a similar leadership vote in neighbouring Galmudug state last week, in which Liban Ahmed Hassan, a member of the JSP, was elected president.
The two results underline the governing party’s influence in regional politics as Somalia approaches a contentious period over the future of its electoral system.
The federal government has promoted changes to the country’s political and electoral arrangements, while opposition figures and the administrations of Puntland and Jubaland have objected to aspects of its approach, arguing that major decisions require broader political agreement.
The dispute has raised concerns about the possibility of competing electoral processes and further divisions between Mogadishu and regional authorities.
The federal government has defended its efforts to advance electoral reforms, while its opponents have called for inclusive negotiations to reach consensus on the constitutional and political framework.
The disagreements come as Somalia continues to confront security challenges posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group and seeks to strengthen its federal institutions.
Guudlawe’s renewed mandate places him at the centre of these debates as political negotiations over the country’s electoral future continue.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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