Somalia suspends flights to and from Mogadishu on Election Day

Daalo airline at Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu. Authorities have declared the city a no fly zone until elections conclude tomorrow. File Photo: Goobjoog News

All flights to and from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde airport will be suspended on Wednesday by Somali government for security measures aimed at securing the presidential election.

Civil Aviation Ali Jama Jangli said that flights to Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu will be suspended until the election is concluded Wednesday.

Somalia will hold presidential vote on Wednesday following the conclusion of an unprecedented televised debate by presidential candidates in Mogadishu.

Major roads within the city have been blocked with both public and private vehicles advised to use alternative roads.

Twenty three candidates will be seeking to become president including the incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud.

The president will be elected by 329 newly elected members of Somalia’s bicameral parliament.

Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) moved Wednesday’s presidential elections venue from the Police academy to Afisyoni Complex near Aden Adde International Airport which is guarded by heavily armed Somali and Amisom personnel.

PEC chairperson, Abdirahman Beileh said that strict procedures have been put in place to minimise the risk of rigging.