Defense and Water ministers to resign to contest speaker seat

Defence minister Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman (C) speaking during a past function. He is among ministers vying for speaker seat.. Photo: courtesy

Ministers who intend to contest for the post of speaker of the Lower House must resign their positions, the election committee mandated to oversee the exercise said Sunday.

The Nur Bayle led committee which released the election timetable said the ministers must submit their resignation during registration for the post between April 23 and 24^th this month. So far, defense minister Mohamed Mursal and his water and energy counterpart Salim Ibrow have declared their candidature.

Former speaker Aadan Madobe is also contesting for the seat which fell vacant early this month following the resignation of then speaker Mohamed Jawari after a month long political stand-off also involving Prime Minister Hassan Khaire.

According to the timetable, the candidates will be required to deposit the requisite election fee at the Lower House account in the Central Bank. The lawmakers will also have the chance to pitch for their election between April 25 and 26^th.

Preparation for the election will take place from 27^th to 29^th of this month ahead of the poll on April 30.