JOWHAR, Somalia – The ballot to select the candidates representing Hir-Shabelle state in the upcoming Upper House chamber of federal parliament kicked off Wednesday in the southern city of Jowhar, 90Km north of Mogadishu.
Khadijo Mohamed Dirie, former minister of women and Human rights and outgoing federal member of parliament won the first seat of Hir-shabelle’s Lower House Election.
Hir-Shabelle lower house election commenced in polling stations in Jowhar town.
Many other candidates, including Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, a close ally of Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud secured his seat with majority votes 50 out of 51 against his opponent.
Ali Omar Bal’ad, the current chief of staff at Villa Somalia, the country’s presidential palace, former Intelligence Chief and current Somali ambassador to Turkey Abdullahi Sanbalolshe and outgoing minister for security Abdirisack Omar Mohamed are among those regained their seats with majority votes.
The parliamentary voting which also underway in other cities in the country, including Garowe, Kismayo, Baidoa and Adado will last until the 275-seats for lower house members are finalized and formed.
Over 14,025 delegates chosen from Somali clans across the nation are casting their votes among numerous candidates for the lower house members of the next federal parliament of Somalia.
