#SOMALILANDVOTES: Waddani candidate urges police restraint, says opening talks with polls body
Waddani Presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro has appealed to police not to use excessive force in dealing with protesters noting his party was opening communication lines with the electoral body two days after it announced it had cut links.
Irro who has accused the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (SNEC) over alleged use of fake ballot papers during the just concluded poll said Saturday his supporters had been killed and others injured when police open fire on them.
“I am telling the police force to show mercy to the people and stop using live bullets. I pray eternal bliss for the dead. We feel distressed since they were our supporters” said Iro.
Protest broke out in a number of areas in Somaliand including the capital Hargeisa and Burao in Togdheer region after allegations of fake ballot papers and rigging by the ruling Kulmiye party.
Irro also noted his party was opening talks with the electoral communication while urging patience among his supporters.
“I am informing my supporters that we started talks with the Somaliland Electoral Commission on the 13th presidential election in Somaliland” he concluded.
Two days ago the leaders of Wadani party announced to sever ties with the Electoral Commission on allegations of irregularities in the voting exercise that took place Monday 13th, a claim brushed aside by the election commission.