Somalia: Date set for Jubaland presidential election, constitution endorsed

KISMAYO, Somalia, August 1, 2015 (Garowe Online)-New Jubaland draft constitution has been unanimously approved by 300 delegates representing Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions, with 15^th of August being set for presidential elections on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

The draft constitution which went through various stages got an overwhelming passage after weeks of intense deliberations in the southern port city of Kismayo.

Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister for Constitution Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, former Somalia Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, former Information Minister Abdullahi Elmoge Hirsi, former Somali Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur, IGAD special envoy for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Afey, and international community representative attended the ceremony held for the approval of Jubaland’s first-ever constitution.

“I congratulate the government and people of Jubaland on the endorsement of the constitution; I believe that you are moving forward,” ex-Premier Gedi said in his opening remarks.

Jubaland Presidential election is due to be held on August 15, only 14 days away from now on, Parliament Speaker Sheikh Abdi has announced.

Madobe and Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismael (Fartag) were elected President and Vice President respectively following a month-long convention in Kismayo in May 2013.

As a result of IGAD-brokered bilateral talks in Addis Ababa, Jubaland officially gained its recognition from Mogadishu-based Federal Government in August 2013.

Incumbent Madobe has not unveiled whether he is seeking re-election yet but he said at today’s ceremony, given the wider tasks at hand, they need more time extending beyond a year. 

GAROWE ONLINE