Somalia: South West State Candidates Warn of Vote Rigging as Election Tension Mounts

BAIDOA, Somalia — Leading presidential candidates for Somalia’s South West State have issued a stern warning against potential vote-rigging, vowing to reject any results produced through "fraudulent" means as political tensions escalate in the regional capital.

Speaking to reporters late Tuesday, candidate Ilyaas Ali Nuur targeted his rival, Aden Madobe, stating that a victory for the latter under the current arrangements would be viewed as a "theft" of the process.

"If the results of the South West election are not what we expect, we will step aside and distance ourselves from the outcome," Nuur said, suggesting a total boycott if the process lacks transparency.

His concerns were echoed by fellow candidate and veteran politician Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. While expressing a willingness to cooperate under the right conditions, Sharif Hassan emphasized that legitimacy is non-negotiable.

"We will not accept the results or any manipulation of the vote," he told the press. "However, if the outcome is verified and credible, we will work with whoever is elected."

The statements reflect a deepening crisis in South West State, where local candidates suspect the federal government in Mogadishu is attempting to hijack the process. Reports say that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s party is being positioned to seize the majority of regional parliamentary seats have fueled widespread mistrust.

Observers say the standoff in Baidoa is a litmus test for Somalia's broader democratic ambitions, with the opposition warning that federal interference could destabilize the region's fragile security.

As the election nears, the focus remains on whether a compromise can be reached to ensure a peaceful and transparent transition.

GAROWE ONLINE