Somali leaders are on the verge of naming a new parliament that is supposed to elect a president by Monday, but it’s hard to find any ordinary Somalis excited by the political changes: They don’t have the right to vote. Monday marks the end of eight years of rule by a U.N.-backed leadership structure known as the Transitional Federal Government. Somali leaders this weekend are finalizing the names on a new 275-member parliament, whose members are supposed to vote in a new president. About 24 candidates are running for president. The president will then choose a prime minister. Many of the candidates for president – including current President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and the parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden – already serve in a government that has been hammered by corruption allegations. Behind-the-scenes political efforts involving bribes and intimidation appear to have marred the selection of the parliament. The U.N. has warned repeatedly of “spoilers” in the political process. “I don’t think there’ll be a difference because the same people are still here and the election may not be fair,” said Abdinur Yusuf, a Mogadishu resident. “We only care about stability, so we pray peace will prevail and corruption will come to an end.”
Though residents can’t vote, political campaigns are still in high gear, as candidates try to win last-minute political points in hopes of leading this war-scarred Horn of Africa nation. Election posters hang on buildings and from cars. Candidates have bought political ads on local TV and radio, and higher-end hotels are hosting campaign ceremonies. The candidates are pledging good governance and the preservation of women’s rights. “They pledge and break promises when they are elected. That’s normal,” Habiba Yusuf, a 62-year-old refugee and a mother of four, said. “Nothing is beyond lip service for them. May Allah bring us a talented president, because without it we won’t be out of misery and insecurity.”
Full Article: In Somalia, presidential election with few voters – CBS4 – WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports.
