MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s political landscape has entered a new phase after the Federal Supreme Court voided the results of Galmudug’s parliamentary and local council elections.

The court ruled on August 24 that the July 30 elections were not conducted in accordance with Somalia’s Constitution and electoral laws. It ordered the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission to organize fresh elections at the earliest feasible opportunity.

The ruling follows challenges from political groups that questioned the conduct of the vote. The court said irregularities had undermined the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

The decision is a significant development for Somalia’s transition toward direct, one-person-one-vote elections, as Galmudug was among the federal states participating in the expansion of direct electoral politics.

To avoid a political and administrative vacuum, the Supreme Court ruled that existing Galmudug institutions will remain in place until new officials are elected through a legally compliant process.

The decision could also intensify national discussions over electoral rules, federal-state relations and the credibility of Somalia’s wider democratic transition.