Somali Minister for Defense, Mohamed Mursal Sheikh on Wednesday declared his candidacy to join the speakership race.
Speaking to the media in Mogadishu, Mursal said he can fill the position and serve the House as well the whole country.
“I hereby declare that I am a candidate vying for the post of the speakership of the People’s House, I feel that I can hold the position, I urge the lawmakers to vote for me,” said Mursal.
Mursal who was elected as MP in 2016 will now challenge Sheikh Adan Madobe, who is also contesting for the speaker of Somali Lower House.
Modobe occupied the office of the speaker of the Parliament during the Transitional Federal Government led by late Abullahi Yussuf.
The former Speaker declared his bid hold the post on Tuesday.
As political group and lobbies are circulating their campaign messages, various candidates have shown their interests in the position that is the third most powerful office after the president and Prime minister offices.
The election campaigns of the speaker are expected to gain momentum in the forthcoming days.
The office of the Lower House speaker has been vacant since last week when the immediate former Speaker, Mohamed Osman Jawari stepped down following a month-long political standoff.
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