Kismayo (Idil News) — The Jubaland House of Representatives re-elected its leadership on Thursday in Kismayo, the state capital, with Speaker Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman securing a third term in office.
Abdirahman garnered 65 votes, decisively defeating Ismail Abdi Keerow, who received seven votes, according to Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali.
In other leadership positions, Hirad Ismail Mohamed was elected First Deputy Speaker with 56 votes, beating Mahad Mohamed Ahmed, who received 18 votes. Abdi Baley Hussein won the role of Second Deputy Speaker with 51 votes, defeating rival Abdirashid Ali Mohamud, who garnered 22 votes.
“Parliamentary elections reflect our commitment to strengthening Jubaland’s democratic processes,” said Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali following the vote.
The elections come amid heightened political tensions between Jubaland and Somalia’s federal government. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre dismissed the process as illegitimate, accusing Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe, of seeking to entrench his personal power. Barre cited Article 70 of the Jubaland Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms, as rendering Madobe ineligible for re-election.
Jubaland administration, however, argues that its legislative procedures align with the Provisional Federal Charter, specifically Article 120, which provides for regional constitutional autonomy.
The dispute has been compounded by Madobe’s withdrawal from the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu. He has called for the inclusion of Puntland and SSC Khatumo in electoral discussions, aligning with Puntland’s ongoing suspension of its participation in the NCC over disagreements with the federal government.
Jubaland Parliament Re-Elects Speaker And Other Deputy Speakers
By 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆