MOGADISHU, Somalia Sep 10 2012 (Garowe Online) – Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari assured the Puntland government and others that the elections would transpire freely and fairly without incident, Garowe Online reports.

Speaker Jawari who spoke to the VOA on Saturday said that officials should not doubt that the presidential election process slated for Monday would occur fairly.

“I assure that the election process which will take place on Monday will occur fairly without any dishonesty” said Jawari speaking to VOA on Sunday.

Puntland government issued a statement on Saturday that stated that they were apprehensive about recent reports of bribery and persuasion that blemished the upcoming elections.

Speaker Jawari spoke about the significance of Puntland in the Somali political arena and the importance of cooperation.

“Puntland is a state of Somalia and I’m sure that they will work with the government of Somalia as they have for so long,” said Speaker Jawari.

Both Britain and the US appealed to politicians to respect the outcome of the presidential elections on Monday.

Ambassador to Somalia Matt Baugh, who spoke to AFP, said that the top candidates for President assured him that they would respect the outcome of the election.      

The new President’s mandate is scheduled for four years and Speaker Jawari stated that whatever the outcome officials should respect the new president of Somalia.

“The parliament is ready to select a new president who will run the country for another 4 years and deserves to be worked with,” said Speaker Jawari.  

The ending of the transitional government has been marred by controversy however the UN Special Representative to Somalia Augustine Mahiga stated in a statement that Somalis need to move on.

GAROWE ONLINE