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Somali gov’t says to tighten security in Mogadishu for upcoming vote

09 August 2012 20:49 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The Somali government on Thursday said it was beefing up security in the run up to the presidential contest due in less than two week’s time, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali told state media that security in the capital will be strengthened to create peaceful environment for the upcoming contest for the presidency and the post of parliamentary speaker and deputies.

"It is very necessary that the security forces work very vigilantly as we are going to enter into an election period. We don’t want any security disturbances during period," Somali Prime Minister Ali was quoted as saying by state-run Radio Mogadishu.

Somali capital has been witnessing heightened political activities in recent weeks as new parliament is in the process of being formed and elections for new president and speaker is expected before the end of the current government’s term in less than two weeks’ time.

Somali government and African Union peacekeeping troops known as (AMISOM) say that extra forces will be deployed extra police and military forces to ensure smooth election process in the country, the first in more than 20 years.

AMISOM said unspecified number of police officers from Uganda have been deployed in Mogadishu to serve under the police component of the African Union Mission in Somalia. Another group of officers are also expected in Mogadishu.

Among the top candidates for the upcoming presidential election are the incumbent President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali as well as Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, former prime minister. Dozens of other presidential aspirants have also announced their candidacy for the post.

Islamist rebel fighters of Al-Shabaab vowed they will carry out attacks to disrupt the elections which will be carried out by members of the new Somali parliaments as security concerns make popular vote impossible.

The group launched foiled twin suicide attacks against the National Constituent Assembly that overwhelming voted to endorse provisional constitution for Somalia on Aug. 1.