BAIDOA— Aadan Mohamed Noor Madobe was elected President of South West State on Wednesday following a vote held in the regional capital, Baidoa.

According to official results announced after the ballot, Aadan Madobe secured 88 votes, while the only remaining rival candidate received one vote. One ballot was declared invalid. All 90 members of the South West State House of Representatives were present during the election session.

Following the announcement of the results, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his congratulations to the newly elected regional leader, commending lawmakers, parliamentary leadership, and presidential candidates for what he described as a peaceful and mature electoral process.

In a statement, President Hassan Sheikh said the elections marked “a new chapter” in Somalia’s democratic development, noting that the direct participation of citizens in the electoral process demonstrated growing political maturity and public commitment to democratic governance.

“I congratulate the new leader of South West State, Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Noor, on his victory,” the president said. “I hope he will focus on strengthening unity among the people of South West State and advancing peace, development, and state-building efforts.”

The Somali leader also praised the large turnout of citizens who participated in the broader electoral process across the region, describing their involvement as a sign of increasing public confidence in governance, stability, and the country’s democratic future.

Meanwhile, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, who had been widely regarded as the strongest potential challenger in the race, withdrew from the election prior to voting. Sharif Hassan accused the Federal Government of Somalia of interference and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.