MOGADISHU, Somalia Aug 26 2012 (Garowe Online) - A prominent candidate in the elections for Speaker of Parliament Abdirazak Hasan Osman Jurile, has relinquished his bid for the seat, Garowe Online reports. 

Mr. Jurile who gave a brief statement in front of the new Parliament on Sunday decided to step down from the election after he consulted with his constituency in Puntland

A professor of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Mr. Jurile has served as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). 

He also served as a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Siad Barre regime. 

On Sunday, candidates for Speaker addressed parliament about their policies and strategies if elected and their qualifications. 

There are 5 candidates running for Speaker of Parliament. 

Sunday will be the final day for candidates who want to run for Speaker. 

GAROWE ONLINE