Reprieve for female candidates as poll fee slashed by half

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somali women intending to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections have got a reprieve following the slashing by half the elections fees.

The National Consultative Council (NCC) bringing together PM Mohamed Roble and Federal Member State leaders announced in the new election schedule the reduction of registration fees by 50%. This now means female Lower House candidates will part with $5,000 while those seeking senate seats will pay $10,000.

An earlier forum between outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo and FMS leaders last October increased the registration fees by 50%. In the 2016 cycle, female candidates were required to pay $2500 and $5000 for Lower and Upper House races respectively.

But the October meeting did away with preference for women and instead set the Lower House fee at $10,000 and $20,000 for senate.

The NCC also retained the 30% quota for women. A total of 84 women were elected as MPs and Senators in 2016.