Somalia: The re-election of nullified seats start in Puntland region

GAROWE, Puntland- State-level electoral commission (SIEIT) has commenced the election of a parliamentary seat that was nullified previously by Somalia’s independent dispute committee over malpractices and vote rigging, Garowe Online reports.

Earlier, Independent dispute body has rejected the election results of 11 seats from the Lower House chamber carried out in the regional states, and decide to re-contest for the parliamentary seats again.

Regional clans have raised concerns to the electoral committee over the vote rigging, intimidation and delegate harassment during the parliamentary elections.

Among the seats declared for re-contest was for Ugaar Saleban clan in Puntland and today’s election was hosted in Puntland State University compound (PSU) in Garowe, the regional capital of the Puntland state.

However, the candidate Abdi Mahmoud Mohamed, has retained the seat following victory in the ballot defeating his opponent Mohamed Ali Madobe with majority 45 votes. Delegates hailing from the same clan have casted votes among the candidates vying for the parliamentary seat.

Yesterday, clan elders have complained over potential malpractices, warned against favoring candidate and accused SIEIT of electoral fraud by registering delegates who don’t hail from the same clan, but SIEIT didn’t release any statement in regard to the clan’s claim.

Last month, Somalia has sworn-in new MPs and Senators despite the parliamentary election is ongoing for some regional clans. The country is preparing to conclude the remaining parliamentary election before the presidential election scheduled in February 8.

GAROWEONLINE