Somalia: Tension rises in Beledweyne as Hirshabelle leaders in deadlock over election

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - Tension has built up in Hirshabelle state ahead of the much-anticipated elections, in yet a dramatic move that could derail completion of elections whose deadline was pushed up March 15 upon consultations among stakeholders.

Vice President Yusuf Dabaged is embroiled in a deadlock with President Gudlawe Hussein Ali over the management of the exercise which is set to take place at the troubled Beledwyene town in Central Somalia.

A total of 11 seats are up for grabs in Beledwyene and various candidates have expressed interest. According to several witnesses, a rift between opposition and a few government operatives has emerged, further causing tensions and anxiety.

Interestingly, Gudlawe Hussein Ali, the current regional president, has promised a free and fair outing but his deputy, one Yusuf Dabaged, wants individuals close to outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo to scoop some of the 11 seats ahead of presidential polls.

Gudlawe, who has been for a long time associated with Villa Somalia, insisted that all candidates should be given an equal chance to compete for the seats. This, reports indicate, has angered Yusuf Dabaged, who wants the government to retain the seats.

On Monday, armed troops supporting the warring side took post within the city, heightening the risk of clashes in Beledweyne. HirShabelle constituencies called for a fair and transparent process as they're likely to weigh behind the state leaders.

The 11 seats that caused the rift between the top leaders of Hirshabelle are the seats held by prominent figures in Somali politics, who currently have a large contingent of troops inside Beledweyne, which has been the hotspot of violence in Somalia.

The rift between the two leaders could have a significant impact on the completion of the election of the 11th House of the People in the country, with only eight days to go. After the local polls, the country will hold presidential elections.

Farmaajo, whose term expired last year, is defending his seat but is facing stiff competition from former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.

GAROWE ONLINE