Somalia: First local council election to be held in Southwest state

BAYDHABO, Somalia- The Interior Ministry of Somalia’s southwest state has announced the first-time local council elections for districts to be held in the region next month, Garowe Online reports.

The residents of Barawe, Eel Bade, Bardaale, Hudur and Baydhabo of Lower Shabelle along with districts in Bakol and Bay regions will elect district commissioners and their deputies in ballots on July 10.

This comes after the lawmakers of Southwest’s Parliament endorsed a bill drafted by the Interior Ministry allowing residents to elect head of districts.

Reports said many local aspirants have already announced candidacy in the upcoming elections scheduled on July amid concerns of insecurity and terrorist attacks.

The local ballot is expected to draw many local and international observers who will monitor the way the election will be handled.  

This is the first time local residents in Southwest state will elect candidates in official posts since the formation of the state.  

GAROWEONLINE