Tuesday November 12, 2024
Jubaland Electoral Committee Chairman delivers remarks on the region's upcoming parliamentary selection process, highlighting Jubaland's autonomous stance amidst escalating tensions with Somalia's federal government.
Kismayo (HOL) — The Jubaland Election and Boundaries Commission is poised to announce a new process for selecting members of parliament, marking an escalatory moment in the ongoing struggle between Somalia's federal government and the autonomous Jubaland administration. The revised selection framework, expected to be revealed today, signals Jubaland's intent to assert greater autonomy—a move that has fueled a deeper rift with Mogadishu.
Under the leadership of Jubaland's President Ahmed Madobe, the committee has restructured its process from the 2019 model, reflecting Madobe's strategy to secure local control over political matters. Yet, this decision has sparked strong opposition from Somalia's federal government, which insists that any legitimate election must adhere to a "one person, one vote" system. Federal authorities, keen to standardize Somalia's electoral processes, have warned they will not recognize the results of any Jubaland-led vote outside of their national framework.
In response, President Madobe has signalled his determination to move forward with an independent process, dismissing federal directives as undue interference in Jubaland's affairs. Madobe's stance reflects a broader shift in Somalia's political landscape, as regions like Jubaland seek to navigate their own electoral paths while challenging federal oversight. His approach, supported by Jubaland's electoral commission, suggests a deliberate effort to reinforce Jubaland's autonomy, even as it risks escalating tensions with Mogadishu.
Once Jubaland's MPs are selected, the region will shift to its presidential election, where Madobe is anticipated to seek—and likely secure—another term. His continued leadership would solidify Jubaland's resistance to federal control, presenting a formidable challenge to Somalia's centralized authority.
The evolving conflict spotlights the fragility of Somalia's federal structure. The outcome of Jubaland's election process could set a precedent for other regional administrations contemplating similar assertions of autonomy, potentially reshaping Somalia's federal landscape in ways that will impact the country's stability and cohesion.