Sheikh Sharif Criticises Mogadishu Local Polls: What You Need to Know

Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has publicly commented on the political setback suffered by his former ally, Sharif Sheikh Aden, following the recent Local Council elections in the Banadir Region, particularly in Mogadishu. Speaking at a public meeting in the capital, Sheikh Sharif expressed regret over the outcome and revealed that he had previously advised Sharif Hassan against participating in the process.

Sharif Hassan, who recently broke away from the Salvation Forum political coalition, contested the elections through his political organization, the Development and National Unity Party. The party has since rejected the official results, alleging widespread irregularities, including vote-buying and the illegal transfer of votes in the Waberi District to a rival political organization.

In an official statement, the Development and National Unity Party said it is a legally registered political organization recognized by the National Independent Electoral Commission and was among the groups that participated in the Banadir Regional elections. However, the party accused the electoral body of losing its neutrality and independence, arguing that the absence of a Constitutional Court eliminated any lawful mechanism to resolve electoral disputes.

The party further claimed that results previously announced in its favor in Waberi District were unlawfully altered and reassigned to the Justice and Solidarity Party, which is led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. These allegations have added to growing political tension in Mogadishu over the legitimacy of the local electoral process.

Addressing these complaints, Sheikh Sharif said he was not surprised by the outcome. He stated that he and others had warned Sharif Hassan that a genuine election was not taking place in Mogadishu and that participation would likely lead to disappointment.

“He is my friend, and I asked him to forgive me, but we could not stop him,” Sheikh Sharif said. “We told him clearly that there was no real election here, that falsehoods were dominating the process. He insisted on trying, and now we have all seen what happened.”

The former president went on to criticize the structure of the elections, arguing that a system based on pre-arranged clan or group allocations cannot be described as democratic. According to him, a legitimate election should allow political parties to nominate candidates freely and enable citizens to choose among them based on policy and leadership, not predetermined agreements.

Sheikh Sharif also questioned the practical outcomes of the elections, suggesting they would fail to produce credible district commissioners or a legitimate regional governor for Banadir. He likened the process to a passing wind that left no meaningful political structure behind.

Beyond the immediate dispute, Sheikh Sharif emphasized the unresolved status of Mogadishu, stating that clarifying the capital’s political and administrative standing remains more important to citizens than rushed voter registration or contested elections. He criticized the federal government for failing to define Mogadishu’s status and urged authorities to engage political parties in a transparent process that genuinely reflects the will of the city’s residents.

The controversy surrounding the Banadir Regional Local Council elections highlights deeper structural and legal challenges within Somalia’s evolving democratic framework. Sheikh Sharif’s remarks underscore long-standing concerns about electoral credibility, institutional independence, and the unresolved political status of Mogadishu.

As disputes intensify and trust in electoral bodies is questioned, the episode serves as a reminder that sustainable democracy in Somalia will require not only elections, but also clear legal frameworks, inclusive political dialogue, and institutions capable of commanding public confidence.