Somalia: Galmudug leaders agree to postpone presidential election

ADADO, Somalia- Somalia's Interior Minister Abdi Farah Saed “Juha” and Galmudug leaders agreed to postpone the presidential poll in the region, to enable a more inclusive process, Garowe Online reports.

The Interior Minister accompanied by members from the Federal Parliament's Lower and Upper Houses has arrived yesterday to Adado to meet Galmudug Parliament and election committee over the upcoming presidential election. However, following extended discussions with the sides the election was postponed to April 30.

Minister Juha said the delegate succeeded to break the deadlock between Galmudug leaders and the moderate Islamist group of Ahlu Sunna Waljama over the scheduled election date.

The sides is scheduled to hold talks between 10 till 17 April before the election date.

The pro-government Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a remains in control of large swathes of territory in central Somalia, including Dusamareeb town, which is assigned as the official capital town of Galmudug state.

Previously, Galmudug Parliament has delayed two times in March 28 and April 10 the election of a new president after the impeachment of former president Abdikarim Guled, who subsequently announced his resignation from the post over health grounds in mid February 2017.

Last Month, Somalia PM Hassan Ali Khaire called on Galmudug to take advantage of the historic moment and make proper preparations to elect the state leadership that leads to peace and prosperity.

GAROWEONLINE