Somalia: Former Speaker, parliamentarians among candidates vying for Lower House Speakership

MOGADISHU, Somalia- More than 4 candidates were reported to have announced candidature for the leadership of the newly inaugurated Lower House chamber of Federal Parliament, Garowe Online reports.

Earlier, Parliament election committee has announced voting schedules for the new Speaker and deputy Speakers that will take place on January 11 and 12 respectively.

The voting will be carried out in secret ballots, according to the election committee.

Former Federal Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Osman Jawari, also Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig and Abdifatah Mohamed are among candidates vying for the Parliament leadership.

On the other hand, 5 candidates are expected to compete for the election of first deputy Speaker; Saed Husain Eid, Khadijo Mohamed Diriya, Abdiwali Ibrahim Mudey, Khaled Ma’ow Abdiqadir and Jeylani Nur Ikar. Whereas parliamentarians Burahan Adan Omar and Mahad Awad, former Deputy Speaker, have announced their bid for the second deputy Speaker.

However, opposing Somali presidential candidates are reported backing the campaign of Parliament speaker candidates, to eliminate the likelihood of being axed form the presidential election, in case a parliamentarian who hail from the same region wins the Speakership seat.

President of Somalia’s Southwest state, is believed of supporting Hidig -a Jubaland native- whose victory would undermine the presidential campaigns of contenders from Puntland and Jubaland regions aiming for the top office in Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE