By Suleiman Sabdow
Jubbaland has today elected the last four senators, two women who will represent the regional state in the next fours in the Upper of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.
This comes barely three months after the first batch of Senators were elected in an exercise that was marred with controversy and stalemate.
Hassan Dahir Yarow trounced Abdi Hussein Ali getting 59 votes while Ibrahim Aw-gaab Osman, defeated Farhiya Maalim Abdi garnering 57 votes, while, Farhiya received 14 votes.
Two female candidates were also elected today bringing a close to the elections of Upper House lawmakers from the regional state. Laylo Nur Maah got 63 defeating Haredo Mohamed Sheikh who bagged nine votes only. Maryan Farah Kadiye patted with 60 votes while her opponent Samsam Mohamed Bishar got 22 votes.
Jubbaland regional president Ahmed Mohamed Islam Ahmed Madobe had on Tuesday released names of candidates who were contesting for the remaining four federal senatorial seats of the federal government.
Eight candidates were vying for the four seats, and two seats were reserved for four women candidates. Jubaland had never to elected a woman to the Upper House of the Federal parliament despite committing to observing a 30% requisite of the quorum for female senators.
Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam congratulated the winners of today’s election and urged them to execute their mandate in an honest and efficient manner.
Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam posing a photo with four elected senators. Photo/Courtesy
He has always applauded the electoral body for conveying and expediating the senatorial election, despite myriad challenges facing elections in Somalia.