Former Parliament Speaker re-elected as the leader of Lower House

Lawmakers in Somalia’s Lower House have voted in tough election that brought together four candidates under tight security on Tuesday morning.

Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig, Abdifatah Mohamed Ibrahim and Idris Abdi Takar have vied for the top political post.

The 259 members have cast their votes in transparent ballot boxes.

In the first round of voting, Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari won by 141 votes followed by Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig with 97 votes.

Abdifatah Mohamed Ibrahim and Idris Abdi Takar got 17 and 2 respectively whereas two MPs spoiled their ballot papers.

Though the date of the presidential election is yet set, henceforth, the lawmakers will elect the country’s president on a date to be set later.

Over twenty candidates are running to become Somalia’s president who will then choose a prime minister.

The incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is among dozens of candidates vying for the post of president, who will be elected by new lawmakers.