Opposition conquers the two Houses of Somali Parliament

Abdullahi Hassan Abshirow, a UPD member won the race for the second deputy speaker. His victory was the latest slap in Farmajo’s face and it gives a clear sign that the opposition will win the presidential election.

News Keydmedia Online
28 April 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The opposition has dealt a major blow to the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo after winning the race for the leadership of the two houses of the new parliament.

On April 26, Abdi Hashi, a vocal critic of Farmajo was elected as the Senate speaker, and the following day Sheikh Aden Madobe won the Lower House speakership contest, beating Hassan Abdinoor.

Abdinoor, the Villa Somalia-backed candidate faced a crushing defeat after two contenders – Aden Saransoor and Abdullahi Black have dropped out and called on the lawmakers to vote for a new change.

In addition, two members of Hassan Sheikh’s UPD party were declared the winners of the 1st deputy and second deputy of the House’s speaker on Thursday, April 28 in what could be the final strong message to Farmajo.

Sadia Yasin Haji Samatar recorded history after she was elected as the first woman to become the 1st Deputy of the Somali Lower House of Parliament. She has been a vocal opponent of Farmajo for years.

Abdullahi Hassan Abshirow, a UPD member won the race for the second deputy speaker. His victory was the latest slap in Farmajo’s face and it gives a clear sign that the opposition will win the presidential election.

Farmajo whose 4-year term ended in February 2021 has greatly lost the public trust after twice attempting to stage a coup and refusing to hold elections on time to hand over power to an elected president smoothly.

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