Somalia: MPs elected in Lower House elections in Jowhar, Adado

JOWHAR, Somalia- The ongoing parliamentary elections in Hirshabelle and Galmudug regional states, saw the elections of several MPs, who are closed allies to the caretaker Somali President Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud, Garowe Online reports.

In Jowhar, the regional capital of the newly established Hirshabelle state, 2 candidates have secured seats for the upcoming Lower House chamber of Federal Parliament.

The results showed that Amino Mohamed Abdi has won majority of 26 votes against its rivals, whereas Dr. Husain Abdi Elmi received 34 votes to triumph over his contenders for the seat. Amino is an outgoing Federal MP and a member of the ruling Peace and Development Party (PDP).

However, in Adado town, it was reported that Ahmed Moalin Fiqi has retained his seat after beating his rival candidate Abdisalam Hajji after receiving 49 votes. Fiqi was the former Head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the chairman of Daljir Political party.In the same elections, the outgoing Federal MP, Ubah Tahlil has also secured a seat after wining 32 votes against rival candidates.

However, the Lower House election in Hirshabelle state was resumed following last week suspension by FIEIT over violence in the voting hall.

In recent statement released by Somalia’s electoral bodies, it reported that the ongoing parliamentary elections in Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Southwest had cases of electoral malpractices, vote rigging and intimidation to candidates and delegates.

Parliamentary election was scheduled to be wrapped up in November 23, as the new lawmakers will vote for the new President in November 30, but recurrent delays to the deadlines is expected to push back the Presidential election to mid December.

GAROWEONLINE