Somalia’s Supreme Court Annuls Galmudug Election Results, Orders Fresh Vote

Supreme Court Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed, who delivered the ruling, said irregularities and violations during the electoral process had undermined the independence, freedom and fairness of the vote and affected its outcome. The court consequently declared the results legally invalid.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission to organise fresh elections for Galmudug’s House of Representatives and local councils within the shortest reasonable period.

It instructed the commission to ensure that the new elections fully comply with the Constitution, electoral legislation, the law governing the commission, and regulations applying to political organisations and parties.

To prevent an administrative vacuum and disruption to public services, the court ruled that Galmudug’s existing institutions should remain in office until they hand over power to authorities elected through a legally compliant process.

The disputed elections were held across 11 districts on July 30, with several political organisations contesting 247 seats. Electoral officials said 197,971 people cast ballots. The Justice and Solidarity organisation led the now-annulled results with 115 seats.

The ruling represents a significant setback for the electoral commission and effectively reopens Galmudug’s political process. It could also serve as an important test of Somalia’s judiciary and its ability to oversee electoral disputes as the country seeks to expand direct, one-person-one-vote elections.

/hm