Baidoa (SONNA) — Senior leaders, lawmakers, and members of the Federal Government of Somalia on Saturday participated in the ongoing one-person, one-vote elections taking place across the South West State, as citizens turned out in large numbers to elect Local Council and House of Representatives members.
Speaker of the House of the People and presidential candidate Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madoobe), alongside federal ministers and members of parliament, cast their votes in Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State.
Speaking after voting, Aden Madoobe expressed satisfaction at taking part in what he described as a democratic milestone for the people of South West State.
“I am very pleased to be among the thousands of people who peacefully and democratically cast their votes today in the elections for the Local Council and House of Representatives of South West State,” he said.
The Speaker encouraged residents across South West State to participate actively in the elections and peacefully elect their leaders, while commending Somali security forces for maintaining stability and safeguarding polling stations.
Meanwhile, the Interim Leader of South West State, Jibril Abdiraashid Haji, conducted an inspection tour of several polling centers in Baidoa to assess the progress of the electoral process, security arrangements, and public participation in the elections.
Jibril praised the efforts of electoral committees, security agencies, and citizens for their peaceful involvement in the voting process, emphasizing that the implementation of the one-person, one-vote system is vital for strengthening democracy and public representation in South West State.
He also called on the public to uphold peace, unity, and transparency to ensure the successful conduct of free and fair elections.
Residents across South West State continued to stream into polling centers throughout the day, reflecting growing public confidence and optimism toward democratic governance and political participation.
