Jowhar, Somalia – In a significant political development, the city of Jowhar, the administrative capital of Hirshabeelle State, is today hosting by-elections for two vacant seats in the House of the People, the lower chamber of Somalia’s Federal Parliament. The vote comes after the deaths of two sitting MPs, Minister Khadiija Mohamed Diiriye and MP Mahmoud Mohamed Jimale (Sey-Sey), both of whom had represented their constituencies at the national level.
The seats up for contest are:
HOP097, formerly held by Khadiija Mohamed Diiriye
HOP098, vacated after the passing of Mahmoud Mohamed Jimale (Sey-Sey)
These two seats carry not just legislative power but symbolic weight, as both previous holders were prominent figures in Somalia’s political landscape, with Diiriye serving as a long-time minister and advocate for women’s and human rights, and Jimale known for his grassroots support in Hirshabeelle.
The by-election has attracted a pool of eligible candidates, vetted by the Federal Electoral Implementation Team. Among the confirmed contenders are:
- Abdikarim Mohamed Diriye – Contesting for HOP097
- Abdulqadir Mohamed Mohamed – Contesting for HOP098
Both candidates successfully met the electoral commission’s criteria and were officially handed their candidacy certificates in Jowhar earlier this week. Notably, Abduqadir Mohamed, a relative of the late MP Jimale, is seeking to continue his family’s political legacy.
The vote is taking place under the oversight of the Federal and State Electoral Commissions, with traditional elders, community representatives, and independent observers present to ensure transparency and credibility.
The selection process for MPs in Somalia’s indirect electoral system involves clan-based delegates casting votes on behalf of their communities, rather than direct one-person-one-vote elections.
Officials have assured the public that the election will be conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Security has been heightened across Jowhar, with law enforcement and AMISOM/ATMIS troops deployed to safeguard polling areas.
The timing of the by-election reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to filling vacant parliamentary seats in a timely manner and maintaining legislative continuity as Somalia navigates a complex political, security, and reform landscape.
Analysts note that the results may also indicate shifting political alliances in Hirshabeelle, a region often at the center of federal-state dynamics.
Once the vote concludes and results are announced, the elected MPs will be sworn into office and expected to take up their duties in Mogadishu. Their roles will be critical as Somalia’s 11th Parliament continues to grapple with pressing national issues, including constitutional reforms, security restructuring, and electoral system transitions ahead of the 2026 elections.