Somalia MPs vote in presidential election

Mogadishu, Somalia (PANA) - Somali parliamentarians are on Sunday voting to elect a president as the country continues to experience bloody suicide attacks.

There are about 35 candidates in the election that is being held in the air force hangar in Mogadishu with security at its peak. Some 300 MPs are expected to vote in the election that has been delayed for about one year.

Although the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) imposed a curfew on the airport and surrounding areas ahead of the election, a suicide bomber still blew himself up near the airport with reports of casualties.

And as the MPs cast their ballots, the international partners of Somalia on Saturday issued a statement calling on them to discharge their duties in the best interest of the country.

A statement by the partners said: "On the eve of Somalia’s Presidential election, international partners call on all members of Parliament to discharge their constitutional responsibility in the best interests of the country."

They urged the parliamentarians "to vote their conscience by choosing the candidate they believe offers the policies and leadership qualities to advance peace, stability, prosperity, and sound governance in the years ahead".

-0- PANA MA/VAO 15May2022