Presidential elections will take place on time, electoral body says

Somalia’s electoral body has affirmed that presidential elections take place on the agreed date following the resumption of of the registration of candidates for presidential election.

The chairperson of the presidential election committee, Abdirahman Duaale Bayle said the committee will make sure to hold presidential election on February 8.

” We know that there were several delays but this time round we expect no delay and the election will take place on time,” said Bayle.

Over 329 members from Somali’s Upper House and the House of the People will elect Somalia’s next president, according to  Beyle.

Somali parliament has so far approved that each candidate will be required to pay $30,000 as elections fee.

Current president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former president Sheikh Sharif are among the more than 12 candidates vying for the post.

The vote will come six months after it was originally set for August, following delays in the election of lawmakers because of clan disputes, fraud accusations and organisational challenges.