Kin to slain Minister Abbas Siraj elected MP from Kismayu

Mohamud Abdullahi Siraj, brother to former minister of Public Works who was killed in Mogadishu last June has been elected MP from Kismayu.

Siraj garnered 50 out of the possible 51 votes to win the seat left vacant by the death of his brother May 3, 2017. Abbas was shot dead by guards attached to then Auditor General Nur Farah Jima’ale at the entrance of the presidential palace in Mogadishu. One vote was declared spoilt. Among the other contestants were Fardosa Hassan

National Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Halima Yarey told Goobjoog News the voting was free and fair.

“The voting was free and fair. The environment was satisfactory and the voters had an ample time to vote,” said Yarey.

Public Works Minister Sadiq Abdullahi Abdi withdrew from the race following reports he was under pressure not to contest.