​Somalia: Hir-Shabelle state sets to pick new President

JOWHAR, Somalia- New President and Vice President are expected to be elected on Monday, for the new Hir-Shabelle state, which will conclude the ongoing state formation conference sponsored by Somalia’s Interior Ministry in Jowhar town in Middle Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports  

Yesterday, Leadership contenders have concluded their campaign speeches ahead of today’s ballot at the conference hall attended by state parliamentarians, election committee and Federal officials.

Three candidates will contest in the presidential election and according to close sources at the event told GO that Ali Abdilahi Osoble whose a presidential candidates is backed by Somali Federal government for the state presidency.

About 90 state parliamentarians will cast their vote for the new President and Vice President amid side meetings between MPs ahead of the state leadership elections.

Vice Presidential election will see the participation of Ali Hasan Takow whose earlier disrupted and halted the elections, citing interference and corruption over the process and demanded fairly process for all candidates.

Recurrent political deadlock in negotiations between regional elders and Somali government to facilitate the formation of Somalia's last Federal member state "Hir-Shabelle" has led to the collapse of extended process originally set to end last year.

GAROWEONLINE