Somalia polls: Presidential candidates intensify campaigns
Presidential hopeful in Somalia's May 15 polls Dahir Mohamud Gelle (right) addressing the media.
Somalia presidential hopefuls have intensified campaigns with several candidates promising to restore peace in the Horn of Africa nation.
The May 15 presidential poll has attracted several candidates among them Dahir Mohamud Gelle who will settle it out with the incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
Others in the race for the country’s top job are two former presidents Hassan Sheikh and Sheikh Sharrif Ahmed as well as a former Prime Minister Hassan Khaire.
Mr Gelle, a PhD holder, is viewed as the top contender.
“Somali people want someone to cure the wounds of the authoritarian practices of the current regime,” Mr Gelle told the Nation.Africa in an interview, adding that he advocates for peace.
His peace campaigns have impressed most Somalia citizens who fear that chaos may rock the country should the polls be bungled.
Top on his agenda is reconciliation, eradication of terror groups, stabilising the country, improving the economy and enhancing international relations.
He will also seek to ratify the constitution.
Mr Gelle stated that he will unite the Somalis, improve on democracy besides strengthening ties with neighbouring countries.
He has visited the United States of America, The UK, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Norway to enhance his international relations.
He wants to mend strained relationships with neighbouring countries.
“I believe that Kenya and the UAE are good friends of Somalia," he said.
Mr Gelle, a career civil servant, believes in applying local solutions for local problems.
He says Somalia has to solve her own problems first if it has to remain stable.
He has pledged to implement policies put in place by former Somalia president Aden Adde on rights and independence.
