A deadly clash erupted in Jubaland today ahead of Monday’s regional election. Exchange of gunfire happened between regional police and body guards of federal senator Ilyas Gaboose, a presidential candidate contesting against Ahmed Madobe, the incumbent. Madobe is contesting for fourth consecutive term as the head of this federal member state of Somalia.
The gunfight broke out after regional opposition presidential candidate Ilyas Beddel Gabose was denied entry to a hotel where election preparations were in progress. Reportedly one police official was killed and two people were injured in today’s clash. Somalia’s interior minister Abdullahi Sheikh M Ismail accused President Madobe of orchestrating “terrorist attack on opposition politician.”
Jubaland is due to hold a controversial indirect regional election on Monday. Federal government of Somalia led by President Hassan Sheikh has rejected the election, calling it “legal”. Federal parliament earlier this year approved electoral reforms for one person one vote electoral system. However Puntland and Jubaland refused to recognize the constitutional amendments. Both regional states have suspended working ties with the federal government of Somalia. Interestingly Madobe and Ilyas could not agree on one electoral plan. They have announced separate electoral plans.
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