This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, the Jubbaland electoral commission introduced stringent rules for aspiring candidates in the upcoming presidential election, sparking controversy and debate.
The new rules require candidates to pay a $30,000 registration fee, be a resident of Somalia for at least two years, and not hold foreign passports. Additionally, candidates must have a university degree and at least 10 years of leadership experience.
The proposals have been met with skepticism, particularly from Mogadishu, which has been accused of trying to influence the outcome of the election. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and several members of his Cabinet hold dual nationalities, which could be affected by the new rules.
Experts believe that the election in Jubbaland is a reflection of the broader political struggles within Somalia, with some federal states pushing for greater autonomy and others seeking more centralized power.
“Somalis have agreed on some form of federal system of government. But the extent of that system has not been agreed upon,” said Saed Faad, a Somali consultant on governance in the Horn of Africa.
Madobe's Jubbaland has been supportive of serious autonomy within Somalia, while other states like Puntland and Galmudug have taken a more cautious approach. Somaliland, on the other hand, has been demanding total independence from Somalia.
As the election approaches, tensions between Mogadishu and Jubbaland are expected to rise, with some experts predicting a close contest between Madobe and his opponents.
