Saturday October 24, 2026
Jowhar (HOL) — Hirshabelle lawmakers re-elected Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlawe as president of the regional state on Saturday, securing him another five-year term as political disagreements over the administration's electoral process persist.
Gudlawe received 81 votes, defeating Nur Ilmi Halane of the Ramaas political organization, who secured 13 votes. Four ballots were declared invalid, according to results announced by the regional parliament.
Lawmakers also elected Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as vice president, with 79 votes against 16 for his rival, Abdifatah Bashi Mohamed. Of the 97 ballots cast in the deputy presidential election, two were declared invalid.
The elections were held in Jowhar, the administrative capital of Hirshabelle, and attended by government officials, members of both houses of Somalia's Federal Parliament and other invited guests.
Gudlawe's re-election follows the Sept. 30 parliamentary elections, in which the Justice and Unity Party (JSP), led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, secured 78 of Hirshabelle's 99 legislative seats.
The regional presidential election comes amid disagreements over the electoral process, particularly among political leaders and traditional elders in Hiiraan who have demanded broader consultations on political representation and power-sharing.
Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, known as Dabageed, said Friday that he would remain in office until an inclusive political agreement was reached, rejecting the planned election in Jowhar.
Dabageed accused the federal government and its political allies of proceeding without sufficient consultation and backed a forum initiated by traditional elders and community representatives in Beledweyne to discuss Hirshabelle's political future.
Despite the disagreements, several politicians and opposition figures from Hirshabelle congratulated Gudlawe on his re-election and urged the new leadership to prioritize reconciliation.
Former Internal Security Minister Abukar Islow Duale congratulated the president and called on his administration to address political and social grievances.
“I advise the new leadership to work in a spirit of unity and to strive toward fostering true reconciliation among the people of Hirshabelle, especially those who have grievances,” Islow Duale said.
Federal lawmaker Abdulkadir Osoble Ali also congratulated Gudlawe, expressing hope that his new term would bring progress in development, security, reconciliation and unity among Hirshabelle communities.
Gudlawe, who first became Hirshabelle president in November 2020, begins another term amid continuing demands for political dialogue and agreement over the regional administration's governance.