I was not in Baidoa for election campaigns, says Somali President

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has said his visit to Baidoa was in no way linked to his campaigns for a second stint in the highest office of the land but rather he was in town for efforts to see the upcoming parliament constituted as scheduled.

President Mohamud said he declared his candidacy two years ago and will officially launch his campaign for a second bid when both houses of parliament were constituted.

“Since the election will not be done on one-man-one-vote basis, I will unveil my bid when the 329 members of parliament are officially selected. I am now here to ensure there was successful election of these members,” he said.

The President said he will undertake similar trips to the rest of regional government headquarters to oversee the smooth running of the election process which he said has to be concluded on time.

Presidential candidate Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle was in Baidoa earlier in the week where he  opened his campaign.

MPs from the Digil and Mirifle clans will be selected in Baidoa and given their good numbers, Baidoa was catching the eye of notable presidential candidates.