Somalia’s electoral dispute body nullifies results for parliamentary seats in the regional states

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The Independent Electoral Disputes Resolution Mechanism (IEDRM) has dismissed the voting results for several seats from the Lower House elections that were carried out in Somalia’s regional states, Garowe Online reports.

A total of 11 seats were nullified from Jubaland, Galmudug, Puntland, Hirshabelle and Southwest for failing to adhere to the rules of the electoral process.

“The commission has received 67 complaints in relation to the process. IEDRM conducted investigations and obtained the testimony from concerned sides, and according to the evidences presented, the commission decided to nullify the results for re-election of the seats,” read the statement.

Additionally, the parliamentary seat that won by the outgoing Minister of Sports and Youth, Mohamed Abdualhi Hasan Nuh was nullified and he is barred from participating in the re-election ballot for the seat in Hirshabelle, according to the statement.

Among the seats that was nullified in Puntland region, is the Lower House seat for Ugar Saleban sub-clan. Parliamentary candidate Mohamoud Mohamed Mohamoud aka “Kulalihi” slammed the election process during his campaign speech at the voting venue and claimed that Puntland President interfered in the process to block his candidacy.

Earlier, the international community has called Somali leaders to support the decisions of electoral implementation bodies to nullify election results for seats that have been rigged through misconduct.  

GAROWEONLINE