Thursday, January 26, 2017
Presidential candidate Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed completing his registration with Abdirahman Duale Beyle, the head of the Presidential Electoral Commission
Mogadishu (HOL) - Former President Sheikh Sharif has formally completed his registration as a presidential candidate today, making him the first to satisfy the prerequisite for the candidacy.
Sheikh Sharif arrived at the Electoral Commission Headquarters in Villa Hargeisa where he submitted his registration credentials.
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Among the requirements for a presidential candidate is a $30,000 USD fee; up from the $10,000 USD that candidates paid in the 2012 elections.The election campaign has been fraught with delays and reports of corruption and intimidation, leaving many questioning the legitimacy of the process. The presidential election has been scheduled for February 8th, six months after the initial August date.
A total of 329 members of Somalia’s bi-cameral parliament will elect the president. A candidate must get 2/3 votes (219) to win the first round which many believe is highly unlikely.