Somalia: ​Presidential hopefuls to wrap up campaign speeches to Parliament ahead of ballot

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The last batch of Somalia's presidential candidates are expected to conclude addressing the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu ahead of the presidential poll on February, Garowe Online reports.

Eight candidates, including caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, former premier Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo will be addressing the joint Houses of Parliament to present their agenda for Somalia for the next 4 years.

Each candidate will be given 30 minutes, in a last process to secure support from the MPs and Senators before proceeding to Wednesday's poll.

The Candidates' speeches will be wrapped today, however, the Presidential Election Committee (PEC) was reported to change the election venue from its original site to Afisyooni over security and transparency raised from majority of candidates.

The long-awaited presidential election will take place this week following series of delays to meet electoral deadlines of the parliamentary elections that was hosted in the regional states.

Newly sworn-in MPs and Senators will vote for the new Somali President in a secret ballot, amid stiff competition between 23 candidates to secure the top seat in the country.

GAROWEONLINE