The Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) has officially unveiled Liibaan Ahmed Hassan as its candidate for the upcoming Galmudug presidential election, marking the party’s entry into what is expected to be a closely watched political contest in Somalia’s federal member state.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the party’s headquarters in Mogadishu, bringing together senior party leaders, members of parliament, cabinet ministers, former government officials and other political figures. The event followed an internal party selection process that culminated in Liibaan Hassan’s endorsement as the party’s flagbearer.
Among those present was Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, who also serves as JSP’s deputy chairperson. In his address, Jama highlighted Somalia’s ongoing democratic reforms, particularly efforts to transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system. He expressed optimism that Galmudug could play a leading role in advancing democratic governance and strengthening political institutions.
Speaking after his nomination, Liibaan Hassan outlined his campaign agenda, pledging to prioritise transparency, security, economic development and inclusive governance if elected. He said his administration would focus on strengthening state institutions while promoting unity and stability across Galmudug.
Liibaan Hassan enters the race with a public service record that includes roles in state-building, electoral management and reconciliation initiatives. During the expansion of the Galmudug administration between 2014 and 2020, he was involved in efforts aimed at strengthening the state’s political structures through collaboration with federal authorities and local communities.
He has also been associated with reconciliation initiatives designed to resolve local disputes and foster dialogue among communities in Galmudug. Supporters credit him with contributing to peace-building efforts intended to enhance social cohesion and long-term stability in the region.
In the security sector, Liibaan Hassan has been linked to initiatives supporting operations that led to the recovery of several districts from militant control, including Wisil, Bacaadweyn, Camaara, Xarardheere, Ceeldheer and Masagawaay. According to JSP, he later visited some of the liberated areas to assess humanitarian and security needs.
Beyond security, Liibaan Hassan has participated in humanitarian activities, including drought relief programmes that delivered food and water assistance to vulnerable communities during periods of severe water shortages, including the holy month of Ramadan.
At the national level, Liibaan Hassan served as Deputy Chairperson of Somalia’s Federal Electoral Commission during the country’s 2022 elections, where he was involved in managing an electoral process conducted amid significant political and security challenges. He has also been associated with efforts to promote the development of Hobyo Port, including making an early financial pledge towards the project.
His nomination comes as Somalia continues discussions on expanding direct elections across the country. Recent one-person, one-vote polls conducted in South West State and Banadir Region have been viewed as important milestones in the country’s democratic transition. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending direct elections nationwide, with additional regions expected to adopt the system in the coming years.
JSP’s decision to nominate Liibaan Hassan is expected to add momentum to the political contest in Galmudug as debates over governance, security and electoral reforms continue to shape Somalia’s evolving political landscape.
