In an election marred by controversy, President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, popularly known as “Madobe,” has re-emerged as the president of Jubbaland.
The election took place in the region’s capital, Kismayu, on the 22nd of August.
Pre-Election Controversy
The composition of the Elders Council, an electoral body instrumental in choosing members of the Jubbaland Parliament, caused tension between President Madobe and Somaliland’s President Farmaajo.
Some members of the council reportedly did not pass through proper security checks. Nonetheless, the members of parliament were elected on the 17th of August.
Meanwhile, Madobe’s opposition also formed his own electoral commission and elected a parallel parliament.
The Election
President Madobe secured the requisite two-third majority ––56 of 74 votes–– defeating three other candidates. His closest challenger, Anab Mohamed Darir, the only woman to run for the office, received 17 votes.
Considering her outing as paving the way for women in the region, she told VOA: “Although I have got a small number in votes, I consider it as a success because this could encourage women to run for elections and show that they want their representation in the country’s man-dominated politics.”
Meanwhile, in another poll, the opposition’s parliament elected Abdirashid Hidig as president, throwing the country into uncertainty.
President Madobe was sworn in shortly after the vote to serve a four-year term. In his victory speech, he expressed a desire to work with the opposition, stating: “Let us forgive us each other. I’m ready to hold dialogue with the opposition and address any issues they may have… We want to work with neighbouring countries on security. We will work with anyone to maintain the stability and development of the region. We want to work with them in the fight against al-Shabab.”
The Aftermath
Following the vote and despite the controversy surrounding the opposition’s actions, congratulatory messages have poured in for President Madobe.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry issued a congratulatory message on Thursday, followed by congratulatory messages from ex-Somali Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Dani, former Galmudug State President Abdikarim Gulleid and Deputy Speaker of Somali Senate Abdshir Ahmad, who commended the peaceful polls, the East African reported.
President Madobe has been in power since 2013 and was the former leader of the Ras Kamboni Brigade, a militant group that operated in the region.
