Southwest state of Somalia successfully concluded election of 23 members of the lower house in a well-coordinated process that was hailed democratic by stakeholders including the UN in Baidoa.
This marks the end of the first phase of voting.
State –level Electoral Implementation Team (SIEIT) of Southwest is scheduled to roll out exercise for the second phase of election as from Tuesday, next week.
United Nation Assistance Mission of Somalia (UNSOM) head of office in Baidoa, Mr Vikram Parekh who was present during the voting of one of the hottest and well attended session (of the entire three-day –period) praised electoral stakeholders for their successful and transparent management of the process.
“This was a very closely contested vote today involving incumbent MP and a federal minister (of finance). It was closely fought going into two rounds, 26 to 25 votes, a good example of democratic process in action. Authorities responsible for the electoral process FIET and SIEIT as well as Somali security forces especially the Southwest police deserve a lot credit for their successful management of the process and making sure that this very closely contested process went forward in conditions that both candidates accepted the outcome and congratulated each other and the public. I think it is a good way forward,” said Mr Parekh.
Mohamed Adan Ibrahim Farkeeti, the federal minister of finance narrowly missed out to Mohamud Moalim Yahya after two rounds of voting. Mr Yahya garnered 26 votes to Mr Farkeeti’s 25.
Acknowledging his strong and influential opponent, victorious Yahya congratulated Mr Farkeeti and termed SIEIT’s management of the process as transparent and fair.
He said, “I am very happy today because this was a highly contested seat. Today’s session recorded highest attendance from all stakeholders because my opponent (Farkeeti) is a very influential and popular person within the community; he is the federal minister of finance! I’m very grateful to my people and Allah for this opportunity; I extend messages of peace, unity and progress to everyone. I promise to deliver to my community in a just, fair and impartial manner “.
In his victory speech, the MP-elect for Disow sub-clan lauded the delivery of SIEIT in Baidoa.
“SIEIT managed the electoral processes really well. There was no corruption or any malpractice whatsoever; it was a fair and transparent process. Candidates carried themselves professionally; delegates on their part exercised their democratic rights without any undue influence. International community and observers were equally in full attendance. This is a milestone achieved in Somalia and sets a strong foundation for democratic party-based electoral processes to be held at the district level,” said Mr Yahya.
On his part, SIEIT deputy chairman Mohamed Abdulahi Mursal hopes his team can replicate the remarkable performance recorded in the next phase of voting that starts off next week.
He said, “Today marks the end of the first phase of voting in which processes for the planned 23 seats were successfully accomplished. Phase one was a pilot phase for us and we hope to out do ourselves in the next phase that starts on Tuesday. I would like to congratulate the winners of phase one. As SIEIT, we are very happy and confident in our delivery; we have achieved our set goals for this week. This is a clear indications that elections can be held and properly managed.”
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Hassan Ali Mohamed, a political newcomer became the youngest MP-elect to come out of the first phase of voting in Southwest.
