PM Khaire asks Galmudug to delay presidential poll by 45 days

Prime Minister Hassan Khaire has asked Galmudug leaders to postpone the election of a new president for 45 days to allow him complete the formation of cabinet and enable a more inclusive process.

In a statement Monday, the PM who is expected to name his cabinet soon said a 45 day period from now would create room for a negotiated settlement noting there is need to build dialogue and reconciliation among communities in the region.

“We call on the candidates for Galmudug presidency to consider the need for reconciliation and understanding before going to free and fair elections with outcome of satisfactory leadership to all the population of Galmudug state,” said Khaire.

The PM also urged the people of Galmudug to ‘take advantage of this historic moment and make proper preparations to elect the state leadership that leads to peace and prosperity’.

Galmudug leaders had set March 28 for the election of a new president following the resignation of former president Abdikarim Guled on health grounds.

Prior to his resignation, Guled had had run-ins with the state parliament which led to his impeachment but he declared it unconstitutional. The Speaker of the House had also been targeted for ouster by the legislators.