Mogadishu, 23 January 2017- Somalia’s Upper House yesterday elected Abdi Hashi Abdullahi the new speaker for a four-year term during a voting exercise held in the capital, Mogadishu.
The veteran politician defeated his rival Mustaf Mohamed Qodah, receiving 43 votes out of the possible 52 in the first round of voting. Qodah, who got 9 votes, conceded defeat and congratulated the new speaker, wishing him well in his new job.
The Fifty two senators who participated in the voting also elected two deputy speakers who will help Mr. Abdullahi in conducting House business as per the country’s constitution.
In his victory speech the new speaker thanked members of parliament for electing him and promised to live up to the expectations of the Somali people as the country prepares to elect the next president.
“I pray to God as I assume the responsibility of being the speaker of the Upper House, that he ushers his blessings and save our country and the Somali people from the severe drought that hit our country hard. I also ask God to bestow peace and prosperity to the Somali people,” he said.
Abshir Mohamed Mohamud Bukhaari was elected the first deputy speaker after garnering 30 votes against his challenger, Abdi Ahmed Dhuhuloow, who received 22 votes. Mowlid Hussein Guhaad was elected the second deputy speaker defeating Abdikaafi Maalim Hassan in a hotly contested election. Mr. Guhaad garnered 28 votes, two more than his competitor who got 24.
Mr. Bukhaari said top on the agenda for the two houses of parliament will be to constitute a committee that will oversee the election of president of the republic.
“Today we shoulder huge responsibilities as speakers of the Upper House, most of all I am hoping to execute my responsibility as deputy speaker with passion. I have already established public offices in Adaado and Mogadishu and I am hoping to be a senator who represents the Somali people and perform my duties diligently,” noted the first deputy speaker.
The second deputy speaker, on the other hand, promised to work closely with his colleagues in the federal parliament for the betterment of the Somali people.
“I promise to fulfil my duties diligently and honor the confidence that the honorable members have accorded me. I will be the most flexible, most gentle and hardworking speaker,” said Mr. Guhaad.
The Deputy Special Representative for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto, who witnessed the election, congratulated the senators for holding a peaceful and democratic exercise.
“We hope in the coming week, as they have told us, to form a presidential election committee that will be able to announce the presidential calendar to help conclude the electoral process and enable us embark on other areas of our mandate as AMISOM,” the DSRCC added.
The election of speaker and two deputies attracted 16 candidates among them two females. The legislators described the exercise as a milestone as the country prepares for the presidential elections.
