​Somalia: Candidates walk out of a presidential debate over coverage failure

MOGADISHU, Somalia- 12 presidential candidates have boycotted the presidential debate after failure to air the debate on national and independent media, Garowe Online reports.

Initial information obtained by GO indicates that the first batch of presidential hopefuls, including former Somali President, Sharif Shaikh Ahmed and former Puntland President Abdirahman Farole have walked out of the debate arena, citing failure to air the debate.

Lack of Independent media in the venue and internet disconnection in Mogadishu were the main grounds behind the failure to hold the presidential debate for the first batch comprising of 12 candidates vying for the presidency.

The televised debate was expected to take place at the Parliament Hall in Mogadishu on Tuesday evening, however, the candidates who boycotted the debate are likely to hold a press conference in the capital.

They said the modalities for the presidential debate event are unfair and will not serve their wishes. on the other hand, the second batch included the caretaker President Hasan Shaikh Mohamud who is aiming to retain his seat in the upcoming election amid stiff competition from rivals who are vying to unseat him.

Following the scheduled debate, the candidates are set to address the new Parliament about their campaign's agenda ahead of the presidential election which will take place in February 8 in Mogadishu.

GAROWEONLINE