Int'l partners call Somali lawmakers to exercise nation's best interest in presidential vote

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - On the eve of Somalia's presidential election, the country's international partners issued a statement on Saturday evening calling on all members of parliament to choose the country's next leader with nation's best interests in mind.

"We urge 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," the international partners said.

The joint statement came from 24 countries, including the US, UK, and Russia, as well as international organizations such as the UN, EU, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia was also a signatory.

Somalia's long-delayed presidential election will take place on Sunday inside the heavily guarded Aden Adde International Airport in the capital Mogadishu.

A total of 329 lawmakers from both houses of the country's bicameral legislature will jointly elect Somalia's president for the next four years.

The presidential election is more than a year and a half behind schedule and current President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's constitutional mandate expired on Feb. 8, 2021.

Over 36 presidential candidates, among them current incumbent, will contest Sunday's election.