HirShabelle VP: I have no issues with president Gudlawe

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - The Embattled Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Debageed has dismissed media reports that he's at loggerheads with President Ali Gudlawe Hussein, just over 18 months after the duo managed to secure victory in local polls.

For the last one week, media reports suggest that the two leaders have differed on the mode of Lower House election in the country's Beledweyne, just days before the much anticipated March 15 deadline, as stakeholders call for speedy conclusion of the exercise.

In a VOA Somali Interview, Debageed termed the fallout reports as "flimsy and uncalled for". He accused political competitors of being "detractors sensing defeat" in the upcoming vote for 11 Lower House seats.

"I have never fallen out with my boss, these reports are baseless and untrue," he said, adding that "We have partnered well and I am convinced that the exercise will be completed without these unnecessary sideshows."

Dabageed also outlined that none has been locked for any seat, contrary to the media reports that he's supporting Villa Somalia candidates given his strong ties with outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who is facing re-election debacles.

While Debageed is accused of promoting interests of the current administration, his boss, Ali Gudlawe, another close ally of Farmaajo, insists on a free and fair exercise. The two leaders are embroiled in a tussle over the election of 11 MPs in Beledweyne.

For the one week, clashes have ensued in Beledweyne, leading to the death of two elite Gorgor troops under unclear circumstances. The central Somalia town has been a center of power tussles for several months now.

On Wednesday, Somalia's Federal Election Implementation Team [FEIT] suspended the elections of three seats of the House of People of Federal Parliament whose elections were slated for in Beledweyne town. In a statement, the body said the delay was occasioned after receiving complaints.

GAROWE ONLINE