Somalia’s electoral commission said on Wednesday it would hold fresh elections in the Galmudug state after the Supreme Court annulled the results of polls held last month, in a ruling that is expected to be a major setback for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (GMDQS) said it had accepted the Supreme Court’s decision and would set a date for repeat elections in Galmudug.
The court ruled that elections for the state’s parliament and local councils held on 30 July did not comply with Somalia’s constitution and electoral law, and that their results therefore had no legal validity.
The Supreme Court said it had reached its decision after hearing the parties to the case and assessing the arguments and evidence presented before it.
It ordered the electoral commission to organise new elections for the Galmudug parliament and local councils at the earliest feasible opportunity, in accordance with the constitution, electoral law and other relevant regulations.
The court also ordered existing officeholders to remain in place until their successors are elected through a lawful process, citing the public interest and the need to ensure continuity of government services.
The ruling is a political blow to Hassan Sheikh, who had backed the candidacy of Liibaan Ahmed Hassan, widely known as “Shuluq”, under his Justice and Solidarity Party.
Shuluq’s candidacy had emerged as a key element in the contest after Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie, known as Qoor Qoor, withdrew from the race following pressure.
The Supreme Court ruling effectively puts the outcome of the 30 July elections in doubt and opens a new phase of political competition in Galmudug, where alliances between the federal government, the state administration and local political actors have been closely watched.
The electoral commission said its decision to accept the court ruling was based on the constitutional authority of the Supreme Court and Article 73 of Somalia’s National Electoral Law, which gives the court jurisdiction over election disputes.
It did not immediately give a date for the repeat vote, saying the timing would be announced later.