Somalia: Parliamentary election resumes for Banadiri community

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The ballots to elect the remaining MPs representing Banadiri community in the Lower House chamber of Federal Parliament have resumed in the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

According to the electoral roadmap, Bandiri community has received 7 seats in the Lower House chamber and during the parliamentary ballots in last month, 5 MPs were voted for, whereas the elections of the remaining 2 seats are expected to be wrapped up today.

Federal electoral body said that one seat is reserved for women candidates and the other will be contested by men candidates, who are believed to be novice in the political scene.

Two women candidates are reported contesting for the seat, Biibi Khalif Mohamed and Qamar Islow Nur, whereas 3 men candidates are set to compete for the other seat.However, the ballots will be held in the Police Transport headquarters in Mogadishu city.

On 27th December, Somalia sworn-in new MPs and Senators despite that the parliamentary elections were ongoing for some regional clans. On the other hand, Federal independent dispute body has nullified the results of 5 seats and decided to do re-contest, citing it was rigged through malpractice.

Lower House chamber has elected its leadership last week, and yesterday the Parliament has announced it will hold the election Upper House Speakers in January 22.

The new lawmakers and Senators will pick the new Somali President in a secret ballot in a date that is not set by the Federal Parliament.

GAROWEONLINE