Election of senate leadership kicks off in Mogadishu

The ballot to elect the speaker of the newly inaugurated Senate House has kicked off in Mogadishu, a day after the candidates conclude their campaign speeches at the provisional Hall of Upper House chamber.

Over 50 senate members are casting their votes for two candidates, including  Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, a former Federal MP and Mustafa Mohamed Qodah, former Secretary General of Wadani opposition party in Somaliland region.

After the conclusion of the election of  speaker in the forthcoming hours, the House is expected to elect the deputy of speakers.

Those eyeing the first deputy speaker include; Hassan Farah Hujaale, Ahmed Haashi Mahamud, Abdiwahid Elmi Omar, Abshir Mohamed Ahmed, Abdi Ahmed Duhulow, Mohamud Ahmed Mahamud and Abdirisaaq Osman Ali. Those eyeing the second deputy speaker position include; Hodan Mohamud Osman, Osman Ahmed Maow, Iftin Hassan Basto, Fartun Abdulkadir Farah, Saadio Hassan Osman, Mowlid Hussein Guled and Abdikafi Moalin Hassan.