Somalia’s South West state is preparing for historic one-person-one-vote elections elections scheduled for May 10, as federal and regional leaders intensify efforts to strengthen security, public engagement and electoral preparations across the region.

As part of those efforts, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, arrived Friday in Waajid district in the Bakool region on an official working visit aimed at supporting preparations for the polls.

The minister led a large delegation that included officials from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP).

Officials said the visit focused on accelerating electoral preparations across South West state while also assessing the general situation in Waajid and surrounding areas.

Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by regional and district authorities, traditional elders, women, youth representatives and other members of the community.

During the reception event, local officials, elders and community leaders emphasized unity, cooperation between citizens and government institutions and the importance of ensuring successful elections.

Speakers also highlighted the need to improve economic infrastructure, healthcare, education and security, while stressing the importance of confronting threats facing the Somali people.

Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur thanked residents and local authorities for the warm reception, saying his visit was intended to strengthen engagement between Waajid residents and the ongoing political transformation in South West State.

He said the federal government remained committed to advancing development programs, improving public services and strengthening governance across South West Somalia.

The minister added that the government would prioritize state-building efforts, security and social cohesion to enable communities to play a greater role in local leadership and development. He also urged residents of Waajid to promote peace, unity and stability, describing them as essential foundations for progress.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Somalia’s Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC), Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chaired a security meeting in Baidoa focused on preparations for the South West state elections.

The meeting was attended by senior security officials and the commission’s Secretary-General, with discussions centered on strengthening election security plans, enhancing coordination among security agencies and ensuring that the elections are conducted in a peaceful environment.

The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission said the Local Council and House of Representatives elections in South West state will be held on May 10, followed by the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives on May 18 and the election of the President of South West state on May 23.