Jubaland's presidential candidates threaten parallel polls

A section of Jubaland’s presidential candidates has threatened to hold a parallel election in protest against incumbent president Ahmed Madobe who is seeking a third term.

Led by Dr Abdullahi Ali and Abdi Ali Raghe, the contenders on Friday said the move by Madobe to seek a third term is a violation of the constitution.

The Jubaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced the presidential polls will be conducted on November 25.

Madobe has led Jubaland since 2013, navigating the region through significant security challenges.

According to Article 70 of the Jubaland Constitution, a president is limited to two terms.

But Madobe contends that a constitutional amendment in June 2024 permits his candidacy.

His opponents, however, argue that the amendment was enacted by a parliament whose mandate had expired in August 2023, rendering it invalid. 

The threats come a few days after international partners in Mogadishu urged for de-escalation of the Federal Government of Somalia and Jubaland in polls dispute following the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting.

“We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive and inclusive discussions on the electoral process. Jubaland State is urged to return to the NCC for an open discussion of all outstanding issues and to restore ties with the FGS. We encourage all parties to refrain from provocations and re-engage in an open dialogue before any electoral processes are finalized,” the council spoke after the Nov 20th meeting.

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According to the council, international partners support Somalia in advancing its state-building agenda, including the ambition of progressively moving towards one-person, one-vote elections through increasingly inclusive and participatory voting systems.

This, it said, includes garnering public and political support by developing electoral processes and a viable timeline for completing them to ensure they are inclusive, widely accepted, achievable, and guaranteeing national security and stability.

Raghe, a seasoned political figure known for his forward-thinking approach his main agenda is to enhance peace in the entire Jubaland region.

"We are focused on peace and stability in the regions. Through cooperation with the subclass, we believe that the people who have never come together to solve their problems shall be organising a mega-conference that will take two to three months. The outcome of the conference will be used for Jubaland in future," he said.

Raghe argues that bringing the clans together is key to his vision of a better Jubaland.

In his sentiments, Dr Abdullahi Ali, a former refugee said his focus is to defeat al Shabaab while promoting government transparency and revitalising the region’s economy and infrastructure. 

He has promised a new inclusive region that will be stable for all.

He argued the federal government also needs to support regime change in Jubaland for the sake of stability.

“Somalia has now joined the East Africa Community and hence must ensure the region is stable starting with its soil. This will be achieved through change which we will ensure comes with a better life,” he said.

The two are among more than seven other contenders in the race who are seeking to unseat Madobe.

Last week the opposition parties made a similar threat over what they termed as a ‘unilateral’ appointment of the electoral commission.

While questioning the credibility of the polls, the contenders protested Madobe's appointment of a seven-member Independent Borders and Electoral Commission (IBEC).