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Somalia Regional Lawmakers Re-elect Incumbent as Leader Amid Tensions

Mohamed Olad Hassan

   Lawmakers in Somalia's regional state of Jubbaland have re-elected
   incumbent Ahmed Mohamed Islam as the leader in a controversial election
   held in the southern port town of Kismayo, the region's largest.

   Popularly known as Madobe, the former Islamist leader secured 56 of 73
   votes in a first round Thursday, defeating three other candidates. His
   closest challenger, Anab Mohamed Darir, received 17 votes. Madobe was
   immediately sworn into office for the next four years.

   "Although I have got a small number in votes, I consider it as a
   success because this could encourage women to run for elections and
   show that they want their representation in the country's man-dominated
   politics," Darir told VOA Somali. Shewas the only woman to run for the
   office.

   Madobe campaigned on a pledge to promote regional economic growth and
   fight al-Shabab militants who still control a large portion of the
   region. He is also a top security partner with Kenya, which helps
   Somalia fight al-Shabab and has a strong presence in Kismayo.

   Those opposing Madobe's rule formed a separate electoral commission and
   elected a rival parliament and president, Abdirashib Hidig, on
   Thursday. Their move has raised fears of violence and a lack of
   stability in a region already suffering from attacks and the heavy
   presence of al-Shabab.

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