Caretaker PM to visit Puntland for presidential campaign

MUQDISHU, Somalia- Somalia’s caretaker Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Puntland in the coming days to kick start his presidential campaign for the upcoming election, Garowe Online reports.   

In a press conference held in Villa Somalia earlier this month, caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has announced his candidacy campaign in the forthcoming Somali election due to be held in October 30.

Sources close to Villa Somalia told GO that Sharmarke’s visit to Puntland region will focus on his campaign and to secure a seat in the upcoming Upper House chamber of the Federal Parliament.

However, his planned visit coincides with reports revealing that Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas is politically backing the reelection bid of the caretaker President Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud in the presidential election.

Presidency sources tell GO that caretaker President Mahmoud is planning to visit Puntland in the coming weeks to kick start his presidential campaign.

Mahmoud whose presidential term expired in 10 September, has announced his candidacy campaign for reelection and opposition candidates have opposed his unlawful office extension, calling him to step down from the office to ensure transparent, fair and credible Somali elections.

GAROWEONLINE