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The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation in Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State has confirmed that local council elections will move forward under the leadership of the Federal Electoral and Boundaries Commission, despite rising political tensions in the region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry said it fully supports the planned elections and emphasized that they will be conducted according to the Northeastern State Constitution. It specifically referred to Articles 104 and 105, which outline how local council elections should be organized, who has authority over them, and the procedures that must be followed.
The ministry explained that it is responsible for organizing and supervising the elections to ensure they are carried out in line with both the regional and federal constitutions. It cited Article 47 of Somalia’s Federal Constitution, which provides guidance on local governance and elections, as well as other relevant national laws. According to the statement, the ministry is committed to making sure the process follows the law and reflects constitutional principles.
Officials stressed that the elections are an important step in strengthening local governance and democratic systems. They said the ministry will work closely with the Federal Electoral and Boundaries Commission to make sure the process is transparent, orderly, and peaceful. The statement also made it clear that authorities will take all necessary measures to prevent disruptions.
The Northeastern administration warned that it would not accept any interference within its territory. It said legal action would be taken against any individuals or groups who attempt to block or undermine the elections. The ministry highlighted that maintaining peace, law, and good relations with neighboring regions remains a top priority. At the same time, it urged the Electoral Commission to strictly follow constitutional and legal procedures while carrying out its duties.
This announcement comes at a time of growing political disagreement between Puntland and the Federal Government. The two sides have been in dispute over how elections should be organized and who has authority over certain territories. Puntland insists that the Sool and Sanaag regions fall under its administration. For this reason, it has strongly opposed efforts to conduct local elections in those areas under federal-backed arrangements.
The disagreement reflects wider tensions in Somalia over election models and constitutional reforms. In recent months, debates have intensified over how future elections should be structured, whether through direct voting or indirect systems, and how much authority federal institutions should have over state-level matters. These issues have created political friction between the Federal Government and some regional administrations.
Observers believe that proceeding with the local council elections under federal oversight could deepen the existing divide. However, supporters argue that moving forward is necessary to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure communities have locally elected representatives. They say delaying the process could create uncertainty and weaken public trust in governance structures.
The situation remains sensitive, especially in areas where territorial claims overlap. Any attempt to hold elections in contested regions could lead to further political standoffs if dialogue and compromise are not prioritized. Political analysts say that cooperation between federal and regional leaders will be crucial in preventing tensions from escalating.
Despite the challenges, the Northeastern Ministry of Interior maintains that it is acting within constitutional limits and is determined to see the elections through. The administration says it wants a peaceful, lawful process that reflects the will of the people while protecting regional stability.
As Somalia continues to navigate complex political reforms and debates over governance, the upcoming local council elections are expected to play a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Whether they ease tensions or intensify them will largely depend on how leaders manage dialogue, legal processes, and cooperation in the weeks ahead.