Somalia: President Sharif proclaims new districts as election nears 10 Aug 10, 2012 - 6:26:42 AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia Aug 10 2012 (Garowe Online) – Transitional Federal Government (TFG) President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed declared by presidential decree on Thursday 5 new districts in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports.
The letter from the President’s office was dated July 22 but was officially made public on Thursday.
Dalan-dolle located in Bay region and Buulo-jadid in the Bakool region have officially become districts in Somalia.
The letter explains that these two former villages have become districts on the request of the TFG’s Minister of Interior.
Another three districts in the Shabelle region have been declared districts as well as the election draws close.
Some critics of President Sharif told media that his declaring of districts at such time is a ploy to gain political allies from the new districts’ elders who will be selecting the federal parliament who will in turn choose the new President.
Elections and security
Despite increased security in the capital, a string of attacks has caused many in the city to fear greater attacks during the elections.
On Friday an improvised explosive device (IED) killed two Somali troops in the Huriwa district in Mogadishu.
On Thursday another IED planted in the Huriwa district yet again killed 8 Somali forces traveling on military vehicle.
Former Prime Minister Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo’s supporters’ were shot at near the Sayid Abdullah statue on Thursday as well, the gunmen killed 2 supporters one a Somali soldier and the other a woman.
After that incident President Sharif, Defense Minister Hussien Arab Isse and Minister of Security and Internal Affairs Abdisamad Ma’alin Mohamud held a press conference in which they spoke about the incident and improving security during the elections.
“Firstly I want to welcome all the presidential candidates. I want the elections to be free from conflict and anything that could hurt civilians, the TFG will strive to keep presidential candidates secure in these coming elections,” said President Sharif.
