FIET clears election for three seats in Beletweyne today
Elections for three seats in Beletweyne will take place today following the clearance by the Federal Indirect Elections Team (FIET).
FIET spokesman Ahmed Safina said the polls body had concluded its investigations and verdict on the seats and ordered that the elections take place.
Among the contestants include veteran politician and incumbent MP Amin Jeesow who is vying for seat 30.
Omar Osman Wasuge Ringo is contesting for seat 66 while Abdi Dahir Gure Karore who is reportedly allied to HirShabelle vice president Yusuf Dabageed will be on the race for seat 10.
Today’s election will add to 17 the number of seats that will since have been filled in Beletweyne out of 25.
Tensions have been high in Beletweyne following the deployment of clan militias amid a fall-out between President Ali Gudlawe and Dabageed both of whom have differed over how the elections should be conducted.
But Dabageed has dismissed the claims noting he is on good terms with his boss.
He told VOA Somali on Wednesday that he enjoyed good relations with Gudlawe amid reports that the state president was barred on Wednesday from leaving Beletweyne.
