In a statement, Galmudug alleged that the commission’s chairman, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, has been involved in activities linked to a candidate reportedly seeking the presidency of Galmudug, raising concerns about the commission’s neutrality ahead of the regional election.

The administration said it cannot accept an electoral body that is perceived to be aligned with a particular candidate or political party, stressing that the legitimacy of any election will depend on the existence of an independent and impartial commission trusted by all stakeholders.

Galmudug emphasized that all candidates and political parties must be given an equal opportunity to compete, warning that any perception of favoritism or political interference could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and the eventual outcome.

The regional government further called for an election framework that guarantees fairness, transparency, and broad participation, arguing that only a credible process can produce results that enjoy legitimacy, public trust, and acceptance among competing political actors.

The statement adds to growing concerns surrounding Somalia’s electoral process. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was established by the federal government as part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system. However, several federal member states, including Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as opposition political groups, have rejected the commission, arguing that it was formed without broad political consensus and lacks the confidence of key stakeholders.

Opposition leaders and some regional administrations have repeatedly questioned the commission’s independence, accusing the federal government of exerting undue influence over its operations. They have called for a more inclusive political agreement before major elections are conducted.

Galmudug’s concerns come amid reports that the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) is backing Liban Ahmed Hassan, a businessman widely regarded as a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in the upcoming Galmudug presidential election. The reports have fueled speculation about federal involvement in the regional political contest, although neither the presidency nor the electoral commission has publicly responded to the allegations.

The dispute highlights the broader political tensions surrounding Somalia’s electoral roadmap, with disagreements over electoral management, constitutional reforms, and power-sharing continuing to dominate relations between the federal government, opposition groups, and some regional states.

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