Somalia prepares for presidential elections

Press TV
Saturday, August 11, 2012

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On Thursday, Somali capital Mogadishu witnessed mass demonstrations in welcoming the return of Mohammed Abdullahi Mohammed Farmajo, former Somali Prime Minister who is among the most influential presidential hopefuls set to challenge incumbent Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and more than two dozen others in the August elections.

Barely a year after he was forced to resign following differences between him and the speaker of parliament on one side and the speaker and Somali president on the other, Farmajo received a heroic welcome by hundreds who took to the street to welcome him.

Addressing journalists at the Mogadishu airport, Farmajo said that the upcoming parliament must be an effective one that has end the woes Somalia is facing.

Amid the celebrations and jubilation of Farmajo's arrival, security forces opened fire to disperse his supporters, killing two people and injuring three others including a security officer. Now the relatives and friends of one of the victims want the killers held accountable.

Meanwhile the national security committee chaired by the Somali president on Thursday night said that all candidates are required to refrain from any actions that might cause insecurity during the pre-election period.

Campaigns for the presidency has geared up in Somalia barely days to the August 20th deadline and the arrival of the former Somali Prime Minister Farmajo who is a household name in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia signals just how stiff the elections might be since he enjoys majority public support.

On his part Somali president welcomed all presidential candidates and said that his administration is ready to give them security ahead of elections.

Somalia is set to have a new president by August the 20th that will mark the end of the eight year Transitional Federal Government.

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