Puntland Politician Condemns South West Elections as “National Disgrace”

[Deeq A.]

Mohamud Shiddo criticised the speed and conduct of elections in South West State of Somalia.

Garowe (PP News Desk) — Mohamud Shiddo, a prominent Puntland State politician, has strongly criticised what he described as a disgrace to Somalia after the President of South West State organised the election of both the Speaker of Parliament and the President on the same day in Baidoa.

“Following the collapse of the state, a federal system was adopted in Somalia to strengthen unity. It is unfortunate that some Federal Member State leaders behave like commanders of armed factions or engage in electoral manipulation. What happened in South West State, where a Parliamentary Speaker and President were elected within hours, is a national disgrace,” Mohamud Shiddo said.

There had been no prior plans to hold presidential elections in South West State after President Abdiaziz Laftagareen opted to remain in power indefinitely, reportedly as part of an agreement with Villa Somalia to suppress opposition calls for timely elections.

An agreement between President Laftagareen and opposition groups, facilitated by Villa Somalia in 2023 and reinforced in 2024, remains in place. Under this arrangement, Jubaland, South West State, Hirshabelle and Galmudug agreed to delay presidential elections in order to harmonise Federal Member State elections with the national electoral process.        

© Puntland Post, 2026