Somalia: Vote battle intensifies ahead of Puntland Speaker’s Election

GAROWE, Somalia, November 8, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The atmosphere is remaining tense in Puntland as of Sunday, with candidates vying for the highest parliamentary post wrapping up their battle to target divided lawmakers ahead of tomorrow’s vote in the state capital of Garowe.

Three lawmakers-Abdihakin Dhobodired, Ahmed Ali Hashi and Saed Qodah- want to succeed then-parliament speaker, Saed Hassan Shire on the post.

Puntland President, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is lobbying for his long-time ally Hashi amid political differences between Ali and his Vice President, Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey.

Dhobadired competed against Shire in 2014 parliament speaker election, losing by slight margins.

Ali held private meetings with Members of Parliament and explicitly asked for votes for Hashi, who allegedly siphoned UNDP-donated payments meant for parliament during his incumbency as speaker in 2007.

Presidency sources tell Garowe Online that Puntland President wooed some MPs with cash amounting to as much USD 5000.00.

Ali and Amey disagreed on the meddling after Puntland Vice President warned Ali of interfering with contest.

All contenders hail from Somalia’s Sanag region.

At press briefing in the capital, Garowe on Saturday, Hashi argued that he has wealthy experience in the key political job.

On November 5, Puntland MPs voted on the date on which the election will be held.

Meanwhile, Puntland President cut short his stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the pivotal election that could impact Ali’s flagging leadership.

GAROWE ONLINE