Somalia’s outgoing Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has announced his candidature for the forthcoming Somali presidential election due to be held in October 30, 2016.
Speaking at a press conference at his office in Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, the Premier said he is a candidate and will formally begin campaigning for the 2016 election.
“Today I announce my candidacy for president. I’m ready to take part in the coming presidential election of our country,” Mr Sharmarke said.
His announcement came before the expected National Leaders Forum Conference due to start this week in Mogadishu. Previously Sharmarke declined to declare his campaign and stated the he hadn’t decided to participate in the election during a press conference.
Sources close to Villa Somalia said that the Prime Minister and Somali President held several talks recently to reach mutual consensus on their presidential campaign.
Sharmake has served twice as Prime Minister, in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the current Federal Government.
