BELEDWEYNE — Political tensions surrounding the planned Hirshabelle elections have intensified, with local leaders and community representatives in Hiiraan raising fresh concerns over the conduct and legitimacy of the electoral process.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has scheduled Hirshabelle’s local council and parliamentary elections for September 30, 2026. However, political disagreements have continued to grow, particularly over the process in Hiiraan region.
Critics of the process have alleged that individuals involved in the electoral preparations could attempt to stage activities in private homes or other locations outside officially designated polling centres, including photographing ballot boxes and individuals in order to later present the images as evidence that voting took place in parts of Beledweyne.
These allegations have not been independently verified. If substantiated, however, such practices would raise serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
The dispute extends beyond Beledweyne. Local stakeholders have also raised objections concerning Jawiil, Farlibaax, Matabaan and other parts of Hiiraan included in the electoral plan.
Hawadle elders, politicians and intellectuals have called for the electoral process in Hiiraan to be suspended, arguing that any political process affecting the region should be based on agreement, broad consultation and the participation of local communities.
Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Hagar Dabageed has separately warned that elections should not proceed in Hiiraan without a political agreement involving local political actors, traditional elders, civil society and other stakeholders.
The controversy has also produced divisions among Hawadle political figures. While some local leaders have rejected the current electoral process, other representatives have expressed support for President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe and the planned one-person, one-vote election.
Critics have urged all officials and political actors involved in the process to avoid actions that could lead to confrontation or harm to civilians. They have also called for any allegations of misconduct to be addressed through lawful, transparent and accountable procedures.
The dispute comes amid wider tensions over the future leadership of Hirshabelle and the relationship between Jowhar-based authorities and political and traditional stakeholders in Hiiraan.
For many residents and community leaders in Beledweyne, the central issue is not simply whether an election takes place, but whether the process is accepted as legitimate by the communities directly affected by it.
With September 30 approaching, pressure is mounting on the federal government, Hirshabelle authorities and electoral officials to address outstanding political disagreements before the vote proceeds.
Without broader consultation and confidence among competing stakeholders, the election could become another source of political confrontation in a region already divided over the future of Hirshabelle.
