The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission has begun registering and accepting applications from candidates running for the position of Head of State of the South West State of Somalia, as the election process enters a new phase.
Among the first candidates to officially register is Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, a former president of the South West State, who received his certificate of candidacy from the commission. The move officially makes him one of the politicians vying for the leadership of the administration.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe), also received his certificate of candidacy, officially joining the race for the leadership of the South West State.
The two politicians are considered the most prominent candidates to have run for office so far.
Sharif Hassan was among the politicians who previously opposed the political direction of the federal government, but later supported the one-person, one-vote electoral system, a move that was interpreted as being in line with the political changes taking place in the country.
The opening of candidate registration comes as the eyes of Somali politics turn to Baidoa, where elections are set to be held to elect the new leadership of the South West State.
