Somalia: Jawari announces candidacy for Parliament Speakership

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Former Speaker of Federal Parliament, Mohamed Shaikh Osman Jawari has announced on Wednesday, his campaign for re-election as Speaker for the newly inaugurated 10th Federal Parliament, Garowe Online reports.

During a press conference held in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, Federal parliamentarian Jawari said he will compete for the leadership of Lower House chamber in the upcoming election scheduled on January 11.

“With respect to the demands of Federal MPs and people, I hereby announce my candidacy to run for Parliament speakership and I request from the new MPs to vote for me,” said Jawari.

Earlier, Parliament declared that candidates willing to compete for the leadership of Parliament must register by January 5. Jawari is the first parliamentarian to officially announce the campaign for the post, as he previously held the post during the past 9th Federal Parliament.

However, other candidates among them Abdirashid Hidig and Abdifatah Geesey are expected to announce their bid for the leadership.

On the other hand, Khadija Mohamed DIriya, a Federal MP and former Women and Human Rights Minister, has stated it will run for the deputy speaker of Federal Parliament set to take place on January 12.  

Last week, Somalia sworn-in the new Federal MPs and Senators who will vote for the Speakers of Lower and Upper Houses, and new Somali President in secret ballots in January 2017.

GAROWEONLINE