Leader of Ras Kamboni Brigade and close ally of Kenya Defense Forces in fight against Al-Shabaab, Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, on Thursday cruised to victory in Jubaland.
Sheikh Madobe, who will now serve his second term as Jubbaland president, was facing uncertainty due to growing opposition from federal government of Modadishu.
The former militant beat his closest challenger, Mohamed Dahir, scoring 56 votes of the 74 MPs who voted in parliamentary polls. Dahir scored 17 votes, losing in first round.
"Jubaland regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam known as “Ahmed Madobe” wins re-election in a regional parliamentary vote.
"Ahmed Madobe was declared winner in 1st round after receiving 56 votes, more than two-third of the 74 MPs who voted; Anab Mohamed Dahir got 17 votes," tweeted Harun Maruf, VOA journalist.
Even with the landslide victory, there are still concerns about the stability of Jubbaland, Somalia's most stable state, after the opposition threatened a parallel election.
The opposition, with backing of federal government's President Mohammed Farmaajo, had come up with a rival electoral commission and list of MPs.
UNISOM on Wednesday expressed fears that the region could be distabilised and called for consensus. KDF troops however, stood group, thus facilitating the polls.
"Ahead of the planned events on 22 August 2019, we call on all stakeholders to avoid any actions that could cause violence. We welcome the efforts of AMISOM to create a secure environment in Jubaland, and encourage coordination between the forces on the ground.
"We urge all stakeholders to act with restraint, wisdom, and statesmanship."Maintaining peace and stability in Jubaland is crucial not only for the people of this Federal Member State but also to enable further progress on Somalia’s national political, security, economic and development priorities," read the statement.
Sheikh Madobe's victory could further irk tension between Kenya and Somalia. Ethiopia, which also mans parts of Jubbaland, has since withdrawn support for the former Ras Kamboni Brigade commander.
On Monday, Jubbaland forces in collaboration with KDF, reportedly blocked an Ethiopian plane from landing at Kismayo Airport. A day later, the forces closed down the airport.
"Kenya Defence Forces reportedly denies an Ethiopian plane from landing at the Kismayo Airport, a source at Jubaland administrative capital informs Dalsan Media.This amidst talk that #Kenya & #Ethiopia may have vested interest in the coming regional presidential elections," radio Dalsan reported.
Thursday's victory would renew Madobe's commitment to help KDF wipe out Al-Shabaab militants, who have continuously attacked her bases in Somalia.
United Nations representative James Swan, was also of the opinion that there was no need to postpone the polls, thus giving the polls credibility they deserve.
However, despite Madobe's victory, latest reports indicate that pro-opposition Parliament in Jubaland “elected" Abdirashid Mohamed Hiddig as regional leader. Reports say 59 out of 75 MPs voted for Hiddig who is also a member of the federal Parliament of Somalia.