Somalia: Presidential candidate Farole slams reports of quitting candidacy

GAROWE, Puntland- Former Puntland President and Somali Presidential candidate, Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, has slammed recent reports claiming withdrawal from the presidential race following talks with Somalia’s caretaker Prime Minister, Puntland President and Senator Abdirazaq Jurile on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Yesterday, local media published various reports speculating about the outcomes of the meeting that took place between the sides, as some suggested that one of the presidential candidates, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke or Senator Farole could drop out from the race to support the other candidate.

However, Senator Farole dismissed the reports that he is withdrawing, but declined to give further details of the meeting to the press that was present at an event held in Garowe to grant certificates to the newly elected Federal MPs and Senators on Tuesday.  

He later told the press the talks aimed at “consultation” between the sides.

Farole said that such false reports are intended to weaken the presidential campaign of candidates, however, he also rejected claims that he will be nominated for a post in case he ceded candidacy.

The recent rumors surfaced following media speculation of the closed-door meeting between the sides at Farole’s residence in Garowe city on Monday.

GAROWEONLINE