From January 1953 to March 1956 he represented Hiiraan at the Territorial Council (Consiglio Teritoriale), a consultative Council advising the trusteeship Administration on domestic policy In March 1956, following the first political elections in Somalia, he was elected Member of Parliament for the electoral district of Beledweyne District From May 1956 to July 1959 he served as Minister of Social Affairs (Ministro per gli Affari Sociali); From July 1959 to August 13, 1960, he served as Minister of Health, Labour and Veterinary Service.

In 1961, Sheikh Ali Jimale became runner up in the first presidential election in Somali history, losing by 1 vote to incumbent president Aden Abdulle Osman.

Jimale's removal sparked off a widespread protest in the Hiran Region, particularly in his political stronghold of Belet Uen, where people clamoured against their Minister's dismissal.

The Minister took a tough line, warning the public in Bulo Burte and Beledweyne that the government would take grave measures against those who, in solidarity with Sheikh Ali Jimale, may stir up trouble in the region.

A shrewd politician with powerful oratory, well capable of captivating his audience, Jimale saw his popularity sky-rocket when campaigning against the referendum on the Constitution in 1961, the ‘no’ vote outnumbering the ‘yes’ in Hiiraan region.