Somalia: Puntland nominates Upper House candidates

GAROWE, Puntland- The government of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland has announced the candidates to be selected for the upcoming Upper House chamber on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Over 22 candidates were nominated by Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas, set to compete for the 11 seats quota in the Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament.

During a press conference held in the state capital Garowe, government Spokesman Abdulahi Mohamed Jama, announced the list, which included caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Second Deputy Speaker of Federal Parliament Mahad Abdalla Awad.

Despite public expectation for the nomination of Ali Haji Warsame, Puntland government has opted to pick other politicians. However, state Parliament is set to carry out ballot exercise to elect the 11 candidates representing Puntland in the Upper House.

These come amid recurrent delays to Somalia’s electoral process and conclude candidates nomination by regional states in October 5.

Recently, Somalia’s Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation team (FIEIT) has extended the period till October 10, and called regional leaders to adhere to the deadlines.    

Somalia declared it will hold inclusive electoral elections for the first time in 47 years. Lower House election is expected to take place between 23 October and 10 November and will conclude in a vote by new lawmakers for a new president on 30 November.

GAROWEONLINE