Somalia: Warm welcome for Farole in Bossaso

BOSSASO, Somalia-Somali Presidential hopeful Abdirahman Mohamed Farole who kick-started his campaign abroad has received a warm welcome in Bossaso port city on Thursday, Garowe Online reports. 

Puntland officials and flag-waving crowds accorded Farole at Bossaso international airport on arrival as the date set for national polls draws near. 

Traditional leaders and electoral teams at federal and regional levels are expected to work out a lineup of MPs through August. 

Earlier on July 13, Farole addressed Somali community in Dubai as part of a fresh campaign to flaunt popularity for his “election manifestos”.  

Members of the Diaspora held a farewell event before Farole embarked on his itinerary that included the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Speaking to reporters at Bossaso airport, Farole called on Somalis to elect saviors to “Upper and Lower Houses” at this critical time.  

He highlighted serious challenges that marred electoral timetable which received an overdue endorsement of Somali political leaders at Baidoa forum late in June. 

On Tuesday, Farole and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke conferred on pressing national matters, aides said.  

Somali speakers backed Farole’s candidacy and stressed the need for a leadership change amid a host of problems facing the East African country.  

On April 4, the former Puntland President declared his intention to contest the 10 September presidential election.

GAROWEONLINE